A province cannot be governed by political slogans, nor can terrorism be defeated through speeches about democracy alone. When ordinary citizens fear for their lives, policemen are targeted and communities remain trapped between militancy and uncertainty, the first question should be whether the state is fulfilling its most basic responsibility: protecting its people. This is the difficult reality confronting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today. The imposition of Governor’s Rule may be politically controversial, but its merits must be judged against a more important standard: whether it can restore security and make governance more effective.

For too long, the people of KP have paid the price of instability. Terrorist attacks have claimed lives, damaged livelihoods and undermined confidence in the future. The resurgence of Fitnah al-Khawarij presents a challenge that no government can afford to treat as a secondary concern. Pakistan has sacrificed enormously in its fight against terrorism, and communities living closest to the violence deserve more than competing political accusations. They deserve a coherent strategy, capable institutions and leadership willing to accept responsibility for results.

This is where the case for a stronger federal role becomes........

© Pakistan Observer