Pashtuns and Political Silence: CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s Failure and Imran Khan’s Overlooked Responsibility

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in Pakistan is grappling with a mounting wave of terrorism that has brought devastation to the region. From March 2024 to February 2025, the province has seen escalating casualties, both among civilians and security forces. The province, which had previously borne the brunt of insurgency-related violence, finds itself in the grip of a political crisis where accountability seems to be missing. The situation has left the Pashtun populace of KPK questioning their political leadership, while security forces continue to battle insurgents on multiple fronts. Yet, amid this turmoil, the provincial leadership, particularly Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has largely remained silent, while Imran Khan—chairman of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—focuses on other political matters, including addressing the army chief, but neglecting the deteriorating security situation in KPK.

The Failure of CM Ali Amin Gandapur

The growing violence in KPK is not a new phenomenon, but the last few years have seen a significant uptick in militant activities. Cities like Peshawar, Bajaur, and Khyber have witnessed bombings, targeted killings, and attacks on police stations, military checkpoints, and even humanitarian workers. However, despite these growing security threats, CM Gandapur has failed to provide a coherent and comprehensive response. The lack of visible leadership and action on the ground, along with inadequate coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies, has made the province a breeding ground for violence and insecurity.

The Twin Pillars of Governance Failure One of the most glaring issues under Gandapur’s leadership is the widespread corruption and mismanagement that has plagued KPK’s governance. Public resources intended for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure have been misallocated, often for political patronage. The province's police and security apparatus have also faced widespread allegations of inefficiency and corruption. Instead of addressing these systemic issues, Gandapur’s administration has been accused of exacerbating the problem through its lack of oversight, leaving the people of KPK to suffer the consequences of a state apparatus that is inefficient and riddled with corruption.

The KPK government has not only failed to invest in the modernization of security forces and intelligence agencies but has also allowed criminal elements to flourish in the vacuum left by ineffective governance. The rising incidents of corruption, including the misuse of public funds, indicate that Gandapur’s focus is not on tackling the challenges of the province but on maintaining his political power. These failures have compounded the frustration of the people of KPK, who continue to live in fear, with no accountability or visible leadership.

The Disconnect Between PTI’s Rhetoric and Reality What is most disturbing is the disconnect between Imran Khan’s rhetoric at the national level and the reality in KPK. Despite KPK being a stronghold for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party’s failure to address the region’s deteriorating security conditions reflects a serious gap in political responsibility. Imran Khan, whose party has governed KPK since 2013, has expressed concerns about national security and has written letters to the army chief, calling for military interventions in other parts of the country. However, his silence on the dire security situation in KPK speaks volumes about the priorities of his leadership. Khan’s failure to address the needs of his voters in KPK, particularly the Pashtun community, exposes a significant political apathy. KPK is effectively being ignored, even as it faces one of the worst security crises in its history.

Imran Khan’s Dismissal of KPK's Security Crisis

Imran Khan’s indifference to the crisis in KPK is particularly troubling, given his party's stronghold over the province since 2013. As the head of PTI, which has governed KPK for over a decade, Khan bears significant responsibility for the well-being of the province. While Khan has made public statements on national security and frequently writes letters to the army chief, he has remained silent on KPK’s specific security challenges. His letter to Army Chief General Asim Munir, calling for urgent action on national security threats, fails to acknowledge the pressing issues facing KPK, which is a grave oversight considering that this is the province that gave him much of his electoral base.

KPK has long been a stronghold for PTI, with the Pashtun electorate being one of the party's most loyal voting blocks. However, Khan's failure to address the worsening security situation in the province has created a rift between him and his Pashtun supporters. These voters, who initially saw Khan as a champion of change and justice, are now disillusioned by his lack of action on their most urgent concerns. Pashtuns in KPK, who have long suffered from the violence of militancy, now feel abandoned by a leader who promised to protect them.

Khan's Strategic Mistakes

One of Khan’s most glaring mistakes has been his focus on national politics while ignoring the provincial issues that have increasingly become a source of instability. Despite holding political control over KPK, Khan has failed to use his influence to push for critical reforms in the provincial security apparatus. The lack of accountability within Gandapur’s government and the widespread corruption within provincial institutions have exacerbated the security crisis.

Khan’s political silence on the worsening situation in KPK is a major strategic blunder. While he focuses on national political disputes and relations with the military, the province he governs continues to suffer from increasing violence and instability. His inability to recognize and act on KPK’s urgent security needs will likely erode the support of his Pashtun base.

As the leader of PTI, Khan should have taken a more active role in pushing for security reforms in KPK. He should have called for the modernization of the provincial police force and better coordination with the military to combat terrorism. Khan should have also addressed corruption within Gandapur’s administration, ensuring that resources meant for counter-terrorism efforts were properly allocated and managed. Most importantly, Khan should have used his position to advocate for the people of KPK, ensuring that their safety and well-being were prioritized in his policy agenda.

Pashtun Silence and Political Disillusionment

For years, the Pashtun people have been enduring violence, yet their voices in the political arena remain largely unheard. The Pashtun population, particularly in KPK, has been silent not due to a lack of concern, but rather because their political representatives have failed to advocate effectively on their behalf. The political system in Pakistan has often sidelined Pashtun issues, focusing more on the larger national narrative than addressing the security and welfare needs of this region.

This silence, however, is not without consequence. It has led to a broader sense of political disillusionment. Many Pashtuns feel abandoned by the state and its political leadership, unable to change the trajectory of the violence they are experiencing. This disillusionment has further compounded the already fragile security situation in the province, as citizens lose faith in their leaders and the promise of peace.

Rising Terrorist Incidents in KPK

The statistics speak for themselves. From March 2024 to February 2025, KPK has witnessed a consistent pattern of violence, with terrorist attacks becoming an almost daily occurrence. The figures illustrate not just a failing security system but also a political crisis that has led to more fatalities among civilians, security forces, and militants.

 Can KPK Continue to Tolerate this Leadership?

The question that many Pashtuns are now grappling with is whether KPK can continue to tolerate a leadership that not only fails to address the security crisis but also allows national figures like Imran Khan to ignore their suffering. With such an alarming rate of terrorism-related fatalities, there is an urgent need for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the people. CM Gandapur's lack of accountability and Khan’s political neglect raise serious concerns about the future of KPK and its ability to recover from the ongoing crisis.

Pashtuns, long marginalized in Pakistan’s political discourse, are again left with limited avenues for redress. It’s time for the provincial leadership to stand up and take action, addressing the security situation head-on and holding those in power accountable for their failure to protect the people. If Gandapur and Khan continue to ignore the crisis, it may be too late for the Pashtun community to recover from the damage inflicted by terrorism.

The Pashtun people have long been the victims of terrorism, but their voices are no longer silent. As the death toll rises, the political silence of KPK’s leaders—especially CM Gandapur—and the indifference of national leaders like Imran Khan have left the region in a precarious position. The failure to take decisive action against terrorism, and the absence of accountability for the rising fatalities, have left the Pashtun people questioning whether their future is safe in the hands of those they once trusted. The people of KPK deserve leadership that will stand up for their safety, hold the terrorists accountable, and demand action from the national government to address their suffering. Without this, KPK risks being plunged further into chaos, with the silence of its political leaders leaving it without hope for the future.

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