By Eng. Iftikhar Chaudhry
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has, for more than a decade, been undergoing a political and developmental experiment in which on one hand large infrastructure projects, road construction, expansion of educational institutions, and reforms in the health sector are frequently highlighted, while on the other hand there is also a growing public question as to whether this development has truly reached all segments of society and all regions equally.
If we look at the overall situation, it is clear that the province has a long list of development projects. In particular, in Hazara Division and areas such as Haripur, noticeable improvements have been made in roads, bridges, and connectivity projects. Multiple new roads have been constructed to link rural areas with major highways, making travel easier and trade comparatively better.
Projects such as the road from Jabri Bangla to Najafpur have remained part of public discussion and are seen locally as a major transformation. It is commonly observed that when such projects are completed, their impact is immediately reflected in the regional economy and daily life.
In Haripur and surrounding areas, the network of roads, improvement of rural routes, and construction of link roads have changed the landscape of the region. According to the local population, areas that were once difficult to access have now become relatively well connected.
This continuity in development is presented as evidence that infrastructure has received attention, although there are differing opinions regarding its quality and equitable distribution.
In fact, people from rural backgrounds who once moved to other provinces due to hardships are now increasingly turning towards Haripur, as facilities like the Sehat Card have become an important support in their lives.
In the education sector, the increase in the number of universities and colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a significant development. Currently, institutions such as the University of Peshawar, Hazara University, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Kohat University, Swat University, Abbottabad University, and several other higher education institutions are functioning in the province. These institutions have provided higher education opportunities to thousands of students who previously had limited access.
Similarly, the expansion of degree colleges and technical institutes has opened new pathways for the younger generation. The availability of colleges in rural
areas has increased educational access. However, issues such as the quality of education, shortage of teachers, and unequal distribution of resources still exist, raising questions about the system’s overall effectiveness.
In the health sector, initiatives such as the Sehat Card are considered a major policy shift. Under this program, millions of people have received access to medical treatment, providing significant relief especially to the poor.
However, issues such as increasing pressure on hospitals, shortage of resources, and limitations in system capacity have also emerged from time to time. Despite these challenges, it remains a fact that this initiative is widely regarded as a major public facilitation.
Turning to the political aspect, politics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always been dynamic and highly competitive. Various political families, personalities, and parties have held influence in the region. Among them, the Tareen brothers are also frequently mentioned, whose supporters especially in Haripur and the Hazara Division consider them an influential force in the development process.
Their political influence is viewed by their supporters as a driving strength that has contributed to advancing development projects and improving infrastructure in the region. They are credited by their supporters with playing a role in the approval and completion of major projects at the local level, which is described as a kind of “developmental revolution.”
Politics in Haripur has always involved closely contested elections. Competition among different political parties has often been very tight. At times, differing opinions have also emerged regarding election results, where one group considers them the will of the people while another raises questions.
For example, the name of Omar Ayub is also prominent in this political landscape. He is considered an important figure in Haripur politics, and his supporters describe him as a strong voice of public representation. On the other hand, within political circles there are differing opinions regarding his electoral journey and results, which are seen as part of democratic politics.
Similarly, Baba-e-Tameerat Yusuf Ayub and Arshad Ayub have also contributed in their respective fields, particularly in education and development, especially in Upper Khanpur.
It is also a reality that in some constituencies, discussions regarding vote margins and election outcomes continue to arise. Such differences are not new in politics; they are part of a democratic system where multiple perspectives emerge after every election. Ultimately, the decision always rests with the people’s vote, which is the true essence of democracy.
In the development process, the role of local politics, power centers, and influential groups is also a reality. This phenomenon is not limited to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but is observed across Pakistan. However, the central question remains whether this development has been limited to specific individuals or groups, or whether its benefits have truly reached the general public.
Renowned columnist Asif Mahmood has also pointed out on various occasions that while infrastructure development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has certainly improved, the overall balance of development still needs further strengthening.
In sectors such as energy, agriculture, and rural economy, various projects have also been initiated. Small dams, agricultural roads, and market access initiatives have attempted to facilitate farmers. However, on a practical level, several challenges still remain, including water shortages, inflation, and limited access to markets.
In this context, the development of natural and tourist sites such as Nadi Haram and Nori Waterfall is also noteworthy. The number of tourists visiting these places has increased, with people from Islamabad and Rawalpindi traveling to these areas. This has provided some benefit to the local economy and promoted tourism to a certain extent.
In conclusion, it can be said that the developmental journey of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an ongoing process that includes both achievements and challenges.
Road construction, expansion of educational institutions, health initiatives, and improvements in local infrastructure indicate that development is continuing. However, it is also a fact that equal development across all regions, transparency, and complete quality standards are still goals that need to be achieved.
If this continuity and focus are maintained, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the coming years can become a more stable and developed region, where development is not just a narrative but a part of every citizen’s daily life.
