By Khalid Khan
The recent protest by PTI workers in Islamabad has ignited a heated debate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The protest, which was neither for provincial rights nor against federal policies for public demands, was a politically motivated effort to secure the release of a convicted individual sentenced under proper legal procedures.
During the unrest, some lives were tragically lost. Following this, the KP Chief Minister (CM) announced compensation of Rs. 10 million per victim to their families. However, the source of these funds remains unclear. Are they being paid from PTI’s party funds, or is the provincial treasury being misused? If public funds are being used, this represents a serious breach of accountability and raises questions about the government’s priorities.
“This wasn’t a protest for the people of KP but a purely political demonstration by PTI workers. Compensating them with public money is unjustifiable,” said an opposition leader. Critics argue that such actions undermine the sanctity of public resources, which should be reserved for genuine public welfare and not political loyalty.
The compensation controversy comes amid growing concerns over PTI’s 12-year rule in KP, which many believe has pushed the province into economic and institutional decline. Analysts point to a long-standing neglect of governance, with the focus instead on political maneuvers that do little to address the needs of the public.
The ongoing politicization of resources and the misuse of public funds in favor of party objectives have deepened public disillusionment. Critics are now demanding an audit of the compensation payments and a transparent explanation from the CM to restore accountability and protect KP’s already fragile institutions.