The political climate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been deeply influenced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which has governed the region since 2013. While PTI initially gained widespread support for its promises of reform, better governance, and development, its grip on power is now at risk due to growing dissatisfaction among the public. Led by Ali Amin Gandapur, the party faces increasing criticism for its inability to address pressing challenges such as economic instability, worsening security, and internal party conflicts. These issues are testing public patience and raising doubts about PTI’s future in the region.
When PTI first came to power in KP, it promised comprehensive reforms and a break from traditional politics, winning over voters who were desperate for change. The party’s success in the 2013 elections was largely fueled by hopes for improved governance and economic stability. However, over time, PTI’s performance has failed to meet expectations. Under Gandapur’s leadership, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, with critics accusing the administration of making exaggerated claims about progress that don’t align with ground realities. Public trust has been further damaged due to the growing perception that the party is disconnected from the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
A major challenge for PTI has been internal friction within the party members and the blame is on the shoulders of Ali Amin Gandapur. Gandapur’s leadership has been accused of fostering division by prioritizing personal loyalties over collective party interests. This approach has not only caused friction among party members but also led to disappointment among supporters who initially backed PTI’s reformist agenda. Reports of corruption have further tainted the party’s image, with prominent figures like Shakeel Ahmed alleging financial mismanagement and misuse of resources. Further reports suggest that Shakil Ahmed had inquired about “commissions” being distributed within his department, and an officer allegedly offered him Rs50 million. This conversation was reportedly recorded and presented to PTI chief Imran Khan, leading to Shakil’s removal. These scandals have compounded public frustration and raised questions about the party’s ability to deliver on its promises of clean governance.
Gandapur’s perceived lack of commitment to his supporters has also fueled discontent. His absence during key protests and events has left many feeling abandoned, contributing to a sense of betrayal. The protest initiated by PTI supporters demanding Imran Khan’s release was left unattended, while Gandapur and Bushra Bibi escaped on the same day. The public now views PTI’s leadership as out of touch with the very people who once placed their faith in the party to bring about meaningful change.
The Ali Amin Gandapur Public Humiliation Case has become a symbol of public distrust in Pakistan’s political and judicial systems, highlighting the abuse of power and lack of accountability for influential figures. In 2017, Gandapur was accused of protecting individuals responsible for a horrific incident of gender-based violence, where a girl was publicly humiliated in his village. Internal party disputes and perceived favoritism within PTI, alongside Gandapur’s continued rise in politics despite unresolved allegations, underscored systemic failures to deliver justice and protect victims.
KP’s economic situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years, amplifying public discontent. Unemployment has risen sharply, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet. Inflation has added to the burden, with the cost of living soaring and essential goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens. The province’s heavy reliance on external funding and remittances has made it vulnerable to broader economic instability in Pakistan. Foreign investment, crucial for development projects, has dried up, with key partners like Saudi Arabia and China reducing their financial commitments. This lack of investment threatens not only KP’s economic growth but also its ability to maintain basic services and infrastructure. Data from the Bureau of Statistics Khyber Pakhtunkhwa indicates a slowdown in economic growth since 2024. The province’s GDP growth rate has been below the national average, reflecting a downturn in key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
The security situation in KP has also worsened dramatically, further destabilizing the region. A series of violent incidents, including sectarian clashes and tribal disputes, has left hundreds dead and many more living in fear. For instance, a recent sectarian conflict in Kurram claimed 42 lives, while tribal violence has caused over 107 deaths. Such events like an attack on a helicopter carrying a government delegation being targeted have created an atmosphere of insecurity that undermines public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Adding to these concerns is the threat of terrorism from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continues to pose significant risks to civilians and foreign nationals alike. The U.S. government has issued travel advisories warning its citizens against visiting certain parts of KP, reflecting the severity of the situation. These warnings not only harm the province’s image but also further discourage foreign investment and tourism.
PTI’s recent protests demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan, have added to the region’s political chaos. While the protests were initially intended to rally support, they quickly turned violent as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The resulting casualties and unrest deepened public frustration with PTI and the ruling coalition. These protests have also had serious economic consequences, including a sharp drop in stock market performance and major city business disruptions. At a time when Pakistan desperately needs stability to attract investment and support economic recovery, such political instability is a significant setback. The press conference after the escape of both the leaders was very non-apologetic, hurting lots of supporters.
PTI’s leadership has fallen short of expectations for many people in KP. Economic hardships, rising violence, and unaddressed security concerns have led to growing discouragement within the party. Public sentiment has shifted from hope to frustration as citizens question whether PTI can address the province’s challenges. The party’s reliance on confrontational tactics, such as street protests and heated rhetoric, has further alienated potential allies and weakened its credibility as a reformist force.
Under Ali Amin Gandapur, PTI has been a complete failure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), putting the people at risk of losing everything. The promises to improve the economy, create jobs, and bring investment have turned out to be empty words. Families are struggling more than ever because of poor decisions, unfinished projects, and bad management. Security in KP has also gotten worse, with violence increasing and the government failing to protect the people. Instead of keeping the province safe, PTI has let things spiral out of control, leaving citizens scared and uncertain about their future. The problems in KP today result from PTI’s poor leadership and broken promises. They have done nothing to fix the issues or improve people’s lives. If the people of KP continue to trust this leadership, they risk losing even more.
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