Mingora: (Ghag Report)
Despite the ongoing waves of terrorism and the tireless sacrifices made by security forces in the fight against it, the indifference of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial government, led by Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, is evident. Even after more than a month, the district of Swat—an area of immense strategic and political importance—remains without a District Police Officer (DPO). This oversight in such a sensitive region exposes the provincial government’s neglect, while senior civil administration officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief Secretary, appear unconcerned.
Swat, a region once ravaged by the Taliban, has seen the Pakistani military and security forces repeatedly crush insurgent activities, restoring stability. However, every time security forces have brought peace, the civilian governments and their administration have failed to uphold it. It is clear that while restoring peace may be the responsibility of the military, the maintenance of that peace is the duty of elected governments. Unfortunately, such governments often destabilize the peace with poor governance, and even when the military manages to restore order, they are unable to sustain it.
The continuing wave of terrorist attacks across the province highlights the consequences of this lack of governance. The absence of a police chief in Swat, despite the growing security challenges, strengthens the allegation that the ruling PTI government might be turning a blind eye to the Taliban, fostering an environment where their presence can grow once again. The failure of the provincial government’s leadership is now becoming increasingly apparent, further undermining its credibility and exposing its ineptitude.
As terror resurges in Swat, the inaction of the provincial government not only raises doubts about its commitment to maintaining peace but also raises serious questions about whether the government’s sympathies lie with the terrorists. This situation serves as a clear indication that the government’s approach to governance is deeply flawed, leaving the people of Swat and other such regions vulnerable once again.