PESHAWAR – Having spent a major part of my professional life in journalism, I have had the opportunity to closely observe and examine the country’s political, administrative, legal and social affairs.Over the years, journalism has provided an opportunity to witness a wide range of developments, including some deeply disturbing realities, while reporting on government projects, public interest initiatives, legislation, administrative decisions and their implementation.
The journey has not always been easy.Reporting on political, administrative and legal matters has often involved pressure, difficulties and mental stress.Nevertheless, examining the practical impact of government decisions rather than limiting journalism to official announcements has always been considered an essential professional responsibility.When political, institutional, administrative and group interests begin to take precedence over collective welfare, the consequences gradually reach every segment of society.The ordinary citizen may not be fully aware of the details of every political dispute, but he directly experiences road closures, disruption of business activity, limited employment opportunities, deteriorating law and order, interruptions to educational and economic activities, and growing tensions among state institutions.
The political situation currently prevailing in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a prominent example of this broader challenge.Differences between the federal and provincial government over terrorism, law and order and political matters have moved beyond political statements and begun affecting the wider administrative and political environment.The federal government has raised the possibility of emergency or Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the provincial government has maintained its position regarding political protests and the PTI march towards Islamabad.
On October 4, 2026, talks between the federal government and the opposition also failed to produce a final consensus, while the PTI march towards Islamabad began during the same period.The development has further complicated an already tense political situation and added to concerns regarding political and administrative stability.A particularly worrying aspect of the situation is that instead of shifting responsibility onto one another, the federal and provincial governments need to seriously examine their respective constitutional and administrative responsibilities.
Allegations have been made by the federal government that the provincial government has not provided adequate cooperation in combating terrorism, while the provincial leadership has repeatedly raised objections to federal policies and its approach towards the province.These positions remain politically contested, but one fact is clear, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa need peace, security, employment and a stable administrative system more than political rhetoric.When terrorism and insecurity persist on one side while governments remain engaged in political confrontation on the other, the ordinary citizen ultimately bears the greatest burden.Families remain concerned about the safety and future of their children, young people struggle to find employment, businesses face economic uncertainty, and citizens are increasingly affected by disputes among political and state institutions.
Legislation also needs to be viewed beyond the mere enactment of laws.The objective should be to establish a balanced legal framework that protects citizens’ rights while maintaining an appropriate balance between state responsibilities, freedom of expression and national security.Legislation for the protection of journalists and media professionals has existed since 2021 and amended it July 2025, while efforts have also been made at the federal level to activate mechanisms for the protection of journalists.At the same time, amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2025 have generated serious debate over freedom of expression and regulation of online content.The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other organisations have expressed concerns that restrictions of an ambiguous nature could have implications for freedom of expression and journalism.The issue is not whether legislation should be rejected altogether. The fundamental requirement is that laws must be implemented transparently, fairly and impartially.If legal protection exists for journalists but a journalist feels pressure while reporting facts, raising concerns or examining the public impact of a government decision, questions naturally arise about whether the intended purpose of such protection is being achieved.Likewise, freedom of expression cannot be used as a justification for character assassination, fabricated allegations, hate speech or harassment.Responsible expression requires accountability, verification and respect for the rights and dignity of others.
Social media has made access to information easier than ever, but it has simultaneously created a serious challenge through the rapid spread of false, incomplete and unverified information.Political parties, their supporters, various interest groups and, at times, ordinary citizens use platforms such as Facebook,YouTube and Twitter etc; to level allegations against one another.As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish between verified information and misinformation.
In such an environment, the responsibility of professional journalism becomes even greater.Unfortunately, the distinction between journalism and social media activism is sometimes becoming blurred.Journalism must remain based on verification, balance, public interest and accountability rather than political affiliation or personal agendas.The most serious long term consequences of this environment may fall upon the younger generation. If young people grow up in a political and social atmosphere where allegations replace arguments, hostility replaces disagreement, rumours replace research and political affiliation becomes more important than character and merit, the consequences for society could be profound.
A generation that loses confidence in institutions, begins to view the law as something applicable only to the powerful, and treats every disagreement as personal hostility could become a serious challenge for the future stability of the country.It must also be acknowledged that governments alone do not create all of society’s problems.Political parties, the administration, media organisations, educational institutions, religious and social leadership, business communities and citizens all have responsibilities.However, governments and state institutions carry a greater responsibility because they possess legal authority, administrative powers and public resources.Those powers should be used to strengthen institutions, unite society and restore public confidence rather than deepen political confrontation.
The present circumstances require the federal and provincial governments to reduce political confrontation and pursue serious dialogue on matters directly affecting the lives of citizens, law and order and state stability.Terrorism is not the problem of one political party or one government; it is a national challenge.Political disagreement, meanwhile, is an inherent part of a democratic system, but it should not reach a point where the functioning of state institutions and the lives of ordinary citizens are disrupted.
Political and governmental leadership must recognise that power is temporary, while the state and society are permanent.A political force in government today may be in opposition tomorrow, and a decision considered beneficial by one party today may affect that same party in the future.Laws, institutions and democratic principles therefore cannot be designed to serve one government or one political group; they must serve the entire nation.
The role of the administrative machinery is equally important.Civil servants and state institutions need to remain above political pressure, personal affiliations and group interests and make decisions in accordance with law and public welfare.A professional, impartial, accountable and merit based administration can help maintain stability even during periods of political confrontation.The current situation should not be dismissed as merely another political crisis.Political instability, economic difficulties, law and order challenges, growing tensions among institutions, irresponsible behaviour on social media and increasing frustration among young people are interconnected developments.Together, they affect the overall social environment, public confidence in institutions and the country’s future.
The time has come for political leadership, governments, state institutions and influential sections of society to recognise their responsibilities.Instead of seeking to defeat political opponents or undermine rival institutions, priority should be given to strengthening the state system, ensuring the rule of law, providing journalists with an environment in which they can work freely and responsibly, discouraging misuse of social media, and creating meaningful opportunities for education, employment and constructive activities for young people.
History shows that social disorder rarely emerges overnight.It develops gradually through repeated compromises, neglected problems, weakened institutions, political intolerance and decisions increasingly detached from public interest.
There is still an opportunity to reverse the situation through timely and responsible action.The real measure of political and institutional success should not be the silencing of an opponent, the weakening of a rival institution or the defeat of a particular group.It should be the creation of a stable, peaceful, law abiding and confident society where citizens feel secure, young people remain hopeful about their future, journalists can perform their professional duties without fear, and state institutions serve citizens without political discrimination.If timely and prudent measures are not taken, the present political and institutional differences may eventually become more than a chapter in the country’s political history.They could leave behind a legacy of social instability whose consequences would ultimately be borne by the entire nation.
