Leadership and Responsibility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In the politically sensitive region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), bordering Afghanistan, the role of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur requires a nuanced approach to governance, particularly in dealing with public service issues like power outages. Recently, Gandapur’s aggressive stance on the prolonged loadshedding problem in KP has raised concerns about the appropriateness of his methods and the tone of political discourse he employs.Gandapur’s threat to take over the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) if the federal government fails to resolve the issue of loadshedding by his set deadline is a clear demonstration of a confrontational approach that might not serve the best interests of KP’s people. While his frustration with the unannounced power cuts is understandable given the essential nature of electricity, his methods of addressing this grievance can be seen as overly aggressive and potentially destabilizing.For KP, a province that is not only geographically but also politically sensitive due to its proximity to Afghanistan, what is needed is not the rhetoric of a gangster but the deliberative tone of a statesman.

The Chief Minister’s role is pivotal in fostering coordination and political harmony, both within his province and between the provincial and federal governments. Threats to take unilateral actions against state-owned enterprises do not reflect the responsible governance needed to address systemic issues like power supply effectively.It is essential for Gandapur to channel his evident passion for defending the rights of his constituents into more constructive and collaborative efforts. Instead of issuing ultimatums, he should focus on creating a platform for dialogue with all stakeholders involved, including the federal government and Pesco. This collaborative approach not only aligns more closely with democratic principles but is also more likely to yield sustainable solutions to the power crises plaguing the region.Moreover, his call for stakeholders to sit together to find a solution is a step in the right direction, but it contradicts his simultaneous threats of takeover. It sends mixed signals to both the public and other government bodies about his actual intent and the seriousness with which he regards the cooperative process. KP and its people deserve a leader who acts with the gravity and diplomacy expected of a Chief Minister. Gandapur needs to act not just with urgency but with a vision that seeks long-term solutions through cooperation, rather than through conflict. Ensuring the provision of essential services like electricity in KP should indeed be a priority, but it must be approached methodically and legally to ensure stability and continuity in service provision.In conclusion, while Chief Minister Gandapur’s commitment to addressing the grievances of KP’s residents is commendable, his approach needs reevaluation. The people of KP require a leader who provides stable and thoughtful leadership, especially given the province’s strategic importance and sensitive location. By fostering a more cooperative and harmonious political environment, Gandapur can better serve his province and contribute to the broader stability and development of Pakistan.