Breaking KP’s Poverty Cycle
Habibul Hassan
Peshawar: The pervasive poverty across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the recently merged ex-FATA districts is a glaring indictment of years of poor governance and neglect. These areas have long been marred by deprivation, and the situation has only worsened under successive governments that failed to implement meaningful reforms.
The evidence is overwhelming—rising poverty has fueled social problems such as theft, robbery, and the worst forms of child labor, with entire communities grappling with unemployment, substance abuse, and despair.
The provincial government, now in its third consecutive term under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has failed to take decisive action. Despite controlling KP for nearly a decade, it has not initiated any significant programs to combat poverty or generate employment. No industrial units have been established in either the settled or merged districts, and unchecked population growth—a major driver of poverty—remains ignored.
The failure extends to the distribution of resources. Both KP and ex-FATA are resource-rich regions, endowed with minerals, forests, and natural gas. Yet, the local populations see little benefit, as revenues are either mismanaged or centralized, leaving these communities to languish in deprivation.
Adding to the injustice, the region continues to be denied its rightful share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, further perpetuating economic stagnation.
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The Cost of Neglect
The merger of ex-FATA into KP in 2018 was hailed as a historic step toward mainstreaming the region. However, the integration process has been painstakingly slow.
Decades of neglect have left the ex-FATA districts with virtually no infrastructure, minimal educational facilities, and inadequate healthcare systems. Post-merger, provincial governance has made little headway in extending its reach to these areas, leaving a vacuum filled by poverty, lawlessness, and insecurity.
Many displaced families, victims of past conflicts, remain in limbo, awaiting rehabilitation. For them, the merger brought hope but no tangible change. The absence of security and basic facilities in these districts has created an environment where terrorism and extremism thrive, further destabilizing an already vulnerable population.
The federal government must address its role in perpetuating this crisis. It has a responsibility to ensure equitable resource distribution under the NFC award and to provide additional financial support to ex-FATA districts for their development. Security issues must also be prioritized to create an environment conducive to investment and economic growth. Nationwide poverty alleviation programs should focus on underdeveloped regions like ex-FATA to ensure inclusive development.
At the provincial level, the KP government must finally prioritize the development of ex-FATA. Building infrastructure, improving healthcare and education, and creating economic opportunities are essential.
Establishing industrial zones and launching family planning initiatives to curb population growth are urgent needs. Moreover, the provincial government must advocate strongly for KP’s fair share of resources at the federal level.
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A Call to Action
Civil society and political parties must also rise to the occasion. The dire situation in KP and ex-FATA demands coordinated efforts to pressure governments into adopting people-centric policies. Poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment must dominate the agenda in provincial and national forums.
The failure to address these challenges reflects a broader governance crisis. The lack of vision and effective planning has entrenched poverty, leaving millions without hope. Yet, the integration of ex-FATA into KP presents a unique opportunity to break this cycle.
With decisive leadership and collaborative action, it is possible to uplift the region’s most marginalized communities and pave the way for a prosperous future.
The stakes are too high to ignore. Sustainable development, equitable resource distribution, and targeted poverty alleviation must move beyond rhetoric to become actionable priorities. Anything less will only deepen the suffering of the people of KP and ex-FATA, prolonging an era of neglect and injustice.
Habibul Hassan Yad is a multifaceted individual, known for his roles as a writer, human rights activist, life coach, and public speaker.
All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.
