RIYADH-to-Baku road of affection has been abuzz recently, reflecting the deep and cherished ties between these regions. Just a few days ago, our leadership traveled from Riyadh to Baku, where a soul-refreshing message echoed: “If you have a sapling in your hand, and even if the trumpet of the Day of Judgment is being prepared to be blown, plant it in hope that it will bear fruit for the benefit of humanity.”This profound message, rooted in a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was eloquently delivered by our young and energetic Federal Minister of Information, Mr. Attaullah Tarar, during the closing moments of COP 29. Representing Pakistan, he shared this life-giving message with humanity. Before him, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressed the inaugural session of COP 29, delivering a powerful call for sincerity and truth, urging the global community to refrain from hypocrisy and take concrete steps to address environmental degradation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier emphasized the pressing need for global responsibility regarding greenhouse gas emissions, which are jeopardizing the Earth’s sustainability. He pointed out the environmental devastation caused by global profiteers and stressed Pakistan’s commitment to restoring what has been damaged. On this occasion, the Prime Minister of Pakistan truly represented the developing countries of the Third World, particularly Pakistan, by stating that offering us loans to address environmental destruction—caused by others—is unacceptable, as these loans are nothing less than a noose of death. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of developed nations, that have caused this destruction, to accept responsibility and actively participate in efforts to restore the environment. This includes making the financial sacrifices necessary to achieve this goal.
While this was happening on the global stage, in Riyadh, the Prime Minister was making efforts to resolve the burning issue of peace in Palestine and attract investors to Pakistan. He sought to determine Pakistan’s role in the historical and attractive opportunities emerging in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, from within Pakistan, a different voice arose, termed the “final do-or-die attempt.” This was described as an act of desperation for the release of the PTI founder Mr. Imran Khan, signaling a state of hopelessness and recklessness. Such “do-or-die” behavior stems from extreme despair and an inability to see a path forward.
Pakistan finds itself between two opposing currents. One current represents efforts to recover from the devastation inflicted before and after 2018—whether in the economy, politics or foreign affairs, which were reduced to mere playthings during that bleak period. The other current reflects the mindset of the “do-or-die” faction, indifferent to the state of Pakistan’s economy, the suffering of its people or the fragile security situation. Recent attack in Bannu, where terrorists seized a police checkpoint and took personals hostage, is a stark reminder of the fragile security landscape. It highlights the failure of the provincial government which has often been more focused on political adventurism against federal government than governance.
Bannu’s incident is not an isolated case. A series of events point to the breakdown of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Reports of child abductions, unchecked terrorism and lawlessness are rampant. Specific regions, like Dera Ismail Khan, the hometown of Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, have become hotbeds of unrest, worsened by policies from the PTI-led federal government which resettled terrorists from Afghanistan during Imran Khan’s tenure. This deteriorating situation raises questions about the provincial government’s legitimacy. While the federal government has exhibited restraint, such chaos cannot be tolerated indefinitely.
It won’t be long before the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rise and demand to be freed from such an irresponsible government. This possibility seems even more certain given that, just a few days ago, the PTI faced defeat in the province’s by-elections for local government. This situation is a clear warning for PTI and its provincial government. No government can tolerate such circumstances for long. Any administration would make every possible effort to improve conditions. However, the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the leadership of Ali Amin Gandapur, is failing to do so. This failure is not merely negligence or irresponsibility—it appears to be a deliberate agenda aimed at creating chaos.
In this balance sheet of Pakistan’s current state, two distinct currents emerge. One represents relentless efforts toward reform and progress, while the other seeks to hinder every attempt at improvement. A song by the legendary melody queen Madam Noor Jehan comes to mind: “What was left, we’ve come to squander, We’ve come to sing the final song.” It seems that whether it is Ali Amin Gandapur or his other allies, they continue singing the same tune, blocking the path to stability, progress and prosperity.
—This writer is former advisor to the president of Pakistan, author & mass media theorist.
(farooq.adilbhuta@gmail,com)
