By Engr. Ghulam Habib
October 26, 2026
Peace, democracy and good governance are essential for the progress of every society. Without peace, education suffers, businesses decline, development stops and ordinary people face hardship.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced terrorism, political confrontation, administrative difficulties and serious challenges in public services for many years. The province now needs practical solutions rather than continuous political conflict.
The recent imposition of Governor’s Rule and emergency measures has created both expectations and concerns. Supporters believe these measures can help restore security and effective administration, while critics fear the weakening of elected institutions and provincial autonomy.
Both concerns deserve serious attention.
Thirteen Years of PTI Government
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for much of the period since 2013. During these years, the party introduced reforms and development programmes, but serious questions remain about their effectiveness and long-term results.
Terrorism, corruption allegations, unemployment, education, healthcare and weak local government institutions remain important public concerns.
Political protests are a democratic right. However, protests should remain peaceful and should not damage public property, interrupt education or prevent government institutions from performing their duties.
Political parties must remember that governing a province requires more than political speeches and demonstrations. It requires planning, cooperation, accountability and measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s Recent Initiatives
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has recently taken an active interest in administrative matters, including the campaign against illegal encroachments.
On October 19, he inspected an ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Peshawar and announced plans to extend the campaign across the province.
Illegal occupation of roads, footpaths and public land creates serious difficulties for pedestrians, traffic, businesses and emergency services.
Removing encroachments can improve public life, provided the law is applied equally, legitimate property rights are respected and affected people receive fair treatment.
Such administrative measures should not depend on political influence or personal connections.
Afghan Refugees and Public Security
The question of Afghan refugees and undocumented foreign residents requires a responsible and humanitarian approach.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans over several decades. At the same time, the government has the responsibility to regulate immigration, maintain public security and enforce the law.
Federal and provincial authorities should cooperate rather than turn this sensitive matter into a political dispute.
All decisions must respect human dignity, legal rights and Pakistan’s international obligations.
Peace and security are necessary, but they should never become an excuse for injustice against innocent people.
Education, Healthcare and Youth
Students should concentrate primarily on education, professional skills, research and character development.
Young people have every right to understand politics and participate peacefully in democratic activities. However, political involvement should not replace education or encourage violence and destruction.
Schools, colleges and universities must remain places of learning.
Similarly, hospitals and healthcare programmes require transparent administration. Public concerns about the Sehat Card programme, including allegations of irregularities, should be examined through independent audits rather than political accusations.
Public money belongs to the people. Every rupee should produce a genuine public benefit.
Governor’s Rule Must Respect Democracy
Pakistan’s Constitution provides procedures for extraordinary federal intervention when constitutional governance in a province breaks down.
However, Governor’s Rule must not become a permanent replacement for elected government.
The powers exercised during an emergency should remain subject to constitutional limits, parliamentary oversight and judicial review.
The rights of citizens, freedom of expression and peaceful political participation must be protected.
Even an imperfect democracy offers opportunities for correction through elections, public debate and accountability. Concentration of power without public participation creates its own dangers.
Local Government Is the Foundation of Real Democracy
The most important reform needed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the transfer of administrative and financial powers to elected local governments.
Democracy should not remain limited to the National Assembly, Provincial Assembly or a few influential political leaders.
Village councils, neighbourhood councils, municipal bodies and district institutions should have meaningful authority to solve everyday problems.
Road repairs, sanitation, drinking water, streetlights, local schools and community facilities can often be managed more effectively near the people they serve.
Local representatives also need proper training in administration, budgeting, public accountability and transparent decision-making.
Democracy without empowered local governments remains incomplete.
This principle should guide every political party and every future provincial government.
An Opportunity for Better Governance
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and the responsible authorities now face an important test.
The success of the present administration should be judged not by political statements but by visible improvements in peace, public services, accountability and citizens’ daily lives.
Administrative decisions should be transparent, fair and free from political discrimination.
The government should also create opportunities for consultation with teachers, students, professionals, businesspeople, local representatives and ordinary citizens.
Public cooperation grows when people feel respected and their concerns are heard.
Conclusion
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs peace, justice, education, healthcare, employment and honest administration.
The present emergency arrangements should be evaluated by their constitutional legality, practical achievements and protection of democratic rights.
Past mistakes should provide lessons rather than reasons for endless political confrontation.
The ultimate objective must be the restoration of stable democratic governance, stronger local institutions and a peaceful, prosperous province.
Peace is essential for progress, the rule of law is essential for justice, and empowered local government is essential for real democracy.
May Allah bless the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all Pakistan with peace, wisdom, unity and prosperity. Ameen.
Engr. Ghulam Habib
Founder and Chairman, Pakistan Professionals Democrats Party (PPDP)