Can K-P be a role model in good governance?

The province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is highly vulnerable to organised waves of violence and cross-border terrorism as reflected in the recent attacks on security forces in Waziristan that killed seven soldiers, including two officers. The new K-P government is, nevertheless, determined to ensure good governance, rule of law and human and social development to ameliorate the socio-economic conditions of people. Restoration of healthcare, eradication of corruption, peace and justice through police reforms and quality education system are some of the areas that reflect the vision of K-P’s PTI government.

Although it is too early to predict that K-P will be a role model in good governance, the last few weeks of indicators reflect that the province will move in the direction of accomplishing strategic goals to alleviate poverty and mobilise adequate resources to promote tourism, modernise infrastructure, encourage reforestation and create employment.

Last week, adviser to K-P CM on economic affairs, Muzammal Aslam, at a press conference, unveiled plans for good governance and economic progress in the province and promised that in the upcoming budget, efforts will be made to provide relief to people. He also shared the details of Ramazan package despite limited resources and outlined a strategy on controlling inflation. Likewise, talking to various delegations during his visit to Paharpur tehsil on 18 March, the CM made it clear that in order to make the province self-reliant, local industries would be expanded. He added that concrete measures would also be taken to provide employment and skills opportunities to youth so as to mitigate frustration in their rank and file. Women, on the other hand, would be supported with home-based work and essentials skills to set up businesses. Similarly, self-employment was also promised by developing agriculture and livestock sectors.

Known for his straightforward and blunt assertions, Gandapur will face numerous challenges in the days to come ranging from corruption charges and other cases for his alleged involvement in the 9 May riots. However, he is determined enough to not give legitimacy to 8 February elections because according to him, the mandate of people was stolen and a fake federal government was imposed. Despite having a two-thirds majority in the K-P assembly, the PTI government will be in dire straits due to the perceived hostility of PMLN-led federal government and groupings within the PTI. Dispelling the notion that he was pursuing a confrontationist path with Islamabad, the CM held a meeting with the Prime Minister last week in which he resolved to work with the federal government to protect the interest of his province. If Gandapur manages to survive in the next 100 days and focus on pulling K-P from deep financial straits along with the threat of terrorism, the province has the likelihood of emerging as a role model of good governance. Also will it be able to utilise a combination of human and financial resources to ensure exemplary performance as compared to other provinces of Pakistan.

The first PTI government in K-P (2013-18) was innovative in launching programmes like introducing Sehat Card, reforming police, bettering justice system and carrying out reforestation on a massive scale. Unfortunately, faced with state suppression and persecution after the removal of Imran Khan’s government in April 2022, a large number of PTI leaders in K-P were either arrested, forced to go underground or prevented from launching a proper election campaign. Even then, the party returned to power in February 2024 elections with a two-thirds majority.

In a situation when the Pakistanis are desperate to see good governance it will be a silver lining if K-P is able to prove its edge as compared to other provinces of Pakistan by providing people basic security and affordable cost of living, eradicating corruption and ensuring a viable justice system. While a lack of planning and determination in delivering is visible in other provinces of Pakistan, dynamism, capability, capacity and vision of K-P leadership can make a difference in the upcoming years.

One needs to understand the possibility of K-P emerging as a role model in good governance from three strategic angles.

First, the K-P government’s focus on dealing with issues which are critical in nature. With a strategic vision and foresight, K-P’s PTI leadership, despite political schism with PMLN, PPP, ANP and JUI-F can take concrete steps to provide relief to the deserving by controlling prices of essential commodities, generating additional revenue, creating substantial employment opportunities and professionally designing and executing projects for modernising infrastructure, better health and educational facilities. The recent meetings between K-P officials and Asian Development Bank (ADB) for improvement projects in cities and rural areas are fine, but what is required is efficient and judicious use of foreign loans.

Second, the CM must make sure that he is not bogged down in political squabbles with the federal government and other institutions. This would require a competent team that has integrity, clarity and a vision to proceed with the goals for bettering socio-economic conditions of the people of K-P. Certainly, the PTI government has an edge over other provinces in terms of its past performance and resilience to meet challenges.

Finally, by providing better facilities and a tourist-friendly environment the K-P government can mobilise enormous resources along with earning from mining, gas production, timber and border trade with Afghanistan.

Following the 18^th constitutional amendment, provinces have secured financial autonomy, yet unfortunately, the space provided to federal entities has not been properly utilised. Accumulation of debt due to foreign loans and wastage of resources caused pressure on the resources of provinces. K-P, too, is on the verge of financial default due to the accumulation of massive debt and poor governance, but by focusing on positive gains and making advances towards strategic resilience, the province can certainly make miracles in terms of transforming their province as a role model.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.

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