Ever since its inception, Pakistan has confronted a myriad of excruciating challenges, ranging from economic woes to internal strife. Among these, the governance fiasco stands out as one of the most chronic and unresolved conundrums, persistently deteriorating conditions across the nation.
Widespread Negligence in Governance
There appears to be widespread negligence in governance, with deeper and more ingrained problems particularly evident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This situation is exacerbated by the provincial government's political antagonism towards the federal government and a clash of narratives that undermines collective efforts.
Flawed Narratives on Terrorism
The PTI has been advocating a flawed narrative on terrorism, claiming that policies formulated behind closed doors have yielded no positive outcomes. This stance has persuaded its supporters to oppose military operations that align with the National Action Plan, a critical framework for counter-terrorism.
Security Achievements and Governance Failures
In reality, security agencies largely eradicated the menace of terrorism from the country, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, by 2018. This was achieved through successful operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, launched by the then government and military leadership. However, the provincial government failed to capitalise on the stability achieved, primarily due to poor governance and flawed policies.
Security forces have no constitutional obligation to govern cleared areas; it is the responsibility of the provincial government to establish and maintain writ. Unfortunately, this has not been done effectively, leaving a vacuum in governance.
Impact on Education and Health
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain the worst affected, lagging behind in education and health sectors. This is largely due to the incompetence of the elected government, which appears more focused on securing the release of its incarcerated leader than on addressing governance failures.
Divisive Policies and Security Threats
By promoting divisive narratives, the provincial government has refused to allow security forces to conduct operations against terrorists in the Tirah Valley, despite credible threats from hostile elements of the TTP. Statements made by the Chief Minister, both in affected areas and during visits elsewhere, have echoed long-standing propaganda against the state and its institutions.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
The threat of terrorism emanating from the western border has been evident since 2002, following the US invasion of Afghanistan. Yet, instead of forging unity against this existential threat, the provincial government appears to be undermining collective efforts. This stance contradicts its constitutional mandate and hampers national security.
Call for Consensus and Coordination
It is imperative for both federal and provincial governments to reach consensus and coordinate effectively to eliminate terrorism once and for all. Political point-scoring must give way to national interest, and flawed policies must be corrected for the collective good of the country.
In summary, Pakistan's governance crisis, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, requires urgent attention. By addressing political antagonism and aligning narratives with national security goals, the nation can move towards stability and progress.
