KHYBER Pakhtunkhwa stands at a crossroads. Decades of terrorism, political instability, displacement and economic deprivation have scarred the province. Despite immense sacrifices, its people still await lasting peace and prosperity. The present crisis demands more than administrative reshuffling or security operations; it requires political reconciliation, experienced leadership and a credible plan to rebuild public trust. Nearly thirteen years of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rule have raised difficult questions about governance, security and development. Repeated confrontation between Islamabad and Peshawar, disagreements over counterterrorism policy and worsening insecurity have deepened existing problems. It must, however, be acknowledged that terrorism, institutional weaknesses, inequitable resource distribution and the longstanding grievances of the tribal districts have persisted for several decades.
The proposed eleven-member Advisory Council and forty-eight-member Regional Representative and Development Council for twelve affected districts could offer a fresh approach, provided their mandates are clear and their work transparent. New institutions and younger, educated leaders are welcome, but they cannot substitute for local knowledge, public accountability and political experience. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, longstanding relationships, personal credibility and Jirga traditions remain important in resolving disputes. That makes the experience of Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao particularly relevant to any serious reconciliation effort.
Sherpao served twice as chief minister of the former North-West Frontier Province, in 1988 and 1994 and later held the federal portfolios of Interior and Water and Power. His years in provincial office were marked by limited resources, administrative difficulties and regional instability. Over decades in politics, he developed relationships across party lines and maintained contacts with tribal elders and influential community figures. As federal interior minister from 2004 to 2007, Sherpao confronted escalating militancy and the spillover from instability in Afghanistan. He also survived terrorist attacks. His direct experience of the security crisis, coupled with his familiarity with provincial and federal institutions, could help facilitate dialogue among political leaders, government authorities and local communities.
Inviting him into a meaningful consultative process deserves consideration, not to elevate one politician above others or reward a particular party, but to draw upon experience in the province’s collective interest. Equally essential is the participation of Asfandyar Wali Khan, Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Barrister Masood Kausar, Humayun Khan, Sirajul Haq, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other political and civil society figures. Some may oppose the current administrative arrangements. That disagreement is precisely why they must have a voice: reconciliation means engaging opponents, not merely gathering those who already agree. Respect for every major party’s political mandate, including PTI’s, is indispensable. Restoration of security must remain the immediate priority. Military and administrative action alone cannot deliver lasting peace. A coherent counterterrorism policy, effective policing, coordinated intelligence, stronger border management and cooperation with residents must go together with protection of fundamental rights. Without public trust, security gains will remain fragile.
The former tribal districts deserve urgent attention. Communities devastated by conflict need rebuilt schools, hospitals, roads and markets, the dignified return of displaced families, fair compensation and employment opportunities. Their residents must be recognized as equal citizens, not treated solely as a security concern. District-specific projects should have transparent budgets, deadlines and measurable results. Peace must also bring economic opportunity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has significant potential in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, minerals and regional trade. Tourism in Swat, Chitral, Dir and Hazara, agriculture in southern districts and small industries in tribal areas can create jobs. Technical training, digital skills and accessible business finance could give young people a stronger stake in stability. Improved relations with Afghanistan, alongside action against cross-border militancy, could encourage trade. Meanwhile, Islamabad and Peshawar need sustained negotiations on funding for the merged districts, net hydropower profits and other constitutional entitlements. Development should not be hostage to partisan rivalry.
Governor’s Rule, as an extraordinary constitutional measure, cannot be a permanent replacement for representative government. Any temporary arrangements must ultimately create conditions for restoring effective elected institutions, rather than normalizing rule without an electoral mandate. A broad-based Provincial Peace and Development Consultative Forum could bring Sherpao and other experienced leaders together with tribal representatives, women, young people, businesses and civil society. It should complement, not compete with, existing institutions, offering practical recommendations and a channel for rebuilding confidence.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not lack capable people or economic resources. What it needs is sustained cooperation and the political will to turn consultation into action. The test of these arrangements will not be the number of meetings convened, but whether ordinary families see safer streets and functioning services. Its people have endured too much bloodshed, buried too many loved ones and heard too many promises. They deserve security, education, healthcare, work and a future without fear. Reconciliation must replace confrontation and development must follow peace. Neither should be treated as a political favour. Both are fundamental rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Canada.
