By Engineer Iftikhar Chaudhry
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always held a unique identity. This is the land where the grandeur of mountains, the flow of rivers, and the charm of valleys combine to create unmatched beauty. Its people are renowned for their hospitality and honor. Yet, if there was one aspect often neglected, it was rural sanitation. The streets of villages, the edges of fields, and small towns were frequently ignored when it came to cleanliness. Development projects in cities would be highlighted in the media, but villages remained a forgotten picture of neglect.
For the very first time, however, under the vision of Chairman Imran Khan and the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched a flagship initiative that has set a new precedent across the province and the country. Named “Pak Saaf-o-Shafaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” (Clean and Transparent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), this program is not just a sanitation drive—it is a dream of rural transformation being turned into reality.
What makes this initiative extraordinary is that it is not limited to a few cities or towns; it covers every corner, every village, and every neighborhood across the province. With 3,633 village councils included, this program touches nearly every aspect of rural life. One could say this is a direct pact between the government and the people.
A substantial budget of 11 billion rupees has been allocated for this project. The common question in Pakistan has always been: Where does the budget go, and how does it benefit the ordinary citizen? This program provides a clear answer. When a village street is cleaned, when children can reach school without trudging through filth, when women can fetch water without the hassle of garbage-filled surroundings, and when elders enjoy a clean environment, people will know that the money was truly spent for their benefit.
As part of the project, 11,388 sanitation workers have been recruited—not through favoritism or corruption, but through a transparent lottery system. Out of 32,683 applicants, 29,822 were declared eligible, and selections were made fairly through computerized balloting. This is perhaps one of the largest and cleanest recruitment drives in Pakistan’s history.
The program also acknowledges the geographical realities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For plain areas, four workers have been allocated per village council, while two workers have been designated for councils in hilly regions. This ensures both fairness and efficiency in resource utilization.
Moreover, each village council has been provided with loader rickshaws, uniforms, and sanitation kits. For the first time, rural communities will witness a system of cleanliness similar to that of cities. Additionally, 392 tractors and 315 mini dumpers worth 3.6 billion rupees have been handed over to Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) to systematically collect and dispose of waste.
This is not a publicity stunt or a temporary campaign—it is being executed under a structured and sustainable framework. Model tax schedules and monitoring committees have been formed to ensure the continuity of the program. Villagers have long known that governments often start projects with great fanfare, only for them to fade away after a few weeks. But the establishment of monitoring bodies is a guarantee that this effort is meant to endure.
When viewed from a wider perspective, this initiative is not merely about sanitation—it directly links to health, education, and the economy. Diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, and other epidemics spread quickly in rural areas due to unhygienic conditions. A cleaner environment will naturally reduce such outbreaks, ease the burden on hospitals, and allow people to live healthier lives.
Cleanliness also impacts the economy. A neat and attractive village encourages tourism. The mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are world-famous for their beauty, but tourists are often discouraged by unhygienic surroundings. This program addresses that gap and opens new doors for sustainable tourism.
It is fair to say that this initiative has truly won the hearts of the people. Their biggest grievance has always been that governments do not understand or address their basic issues. When a government prioritizes something as fundamental as village sanitation, people begin to feel that it genuinely belongs to them. That is why “Pak Saaf-o-Shafaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” enjoys overwhelming public support.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, by launching this initiative, has proven that his politics is not about flashy mega-projects but about improving the everyday life of the common man. Chairman Imran Khan’s vision has always been that the true purpose of governance is service to the people, and this program stands as a living testament to that vision.
Of course, the long-term success of such a project also depends on public participation. Villagers themselves must cooperate by disposing of waste responsibly, assisting sanitation staff, and taking ownership of keeping their streets clean. The government has played its part; now the people must contribute as well.
In conclusion, “Pak Saaf-o-Shafaf Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” is not just a development scheme—it is a mindset. It reflects the belief that rural citizens deserve the same facilities as those in urban centers. It represents the conviction that a clean village is the foundation of a healthy, prosperous society.
