XPECTING a government to bring about a major change in the lives of citizens in the very short span of one year is unrealistic. Yet, one year is certainly enough time for a government to set a direction for itself and start implementing its policies to achieve its stated goals. This was what many had expected of the ruling coalition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it presented its first budget last year. Today, there are many who are questioning the PTI-JI combine`s performance as they are aware that the provincial economy has been hit hard by growing militancy and terrorism. The coalition`s second budget for the financial year 2014-15 proposing a total outlay of Rs405bn helps us somewhat in understanding the government`s strategy to combat issues such as rising unemployment, illiteracy, the poor social and economic infrastructure, law and order, etc.

Indeed, the provincial government has significantly increased its allocation for development by 21pc to Rs140bn, including foreign project assistance and development grants of Rs39bn. Its development choices rightly focus on improvement in the delivery of such public services as education, healthcare and drinking water, and building the economic infrastructure with a view to alleviating income and other deprivations. Still, few believe it will be able to utilise these funds entirely to meet its defined goals. The chunk of development funds for the outgoing year largely remains unutilised at the expense of the hapless citizens who are compelled to leave their homes and families in search of a job in other parts of the country, sometimes abroad. Increased funding for policing is yet to bring about a discernible change in the security environment. No effort has been made to raise the provincially generated income and reduce dependence on federal and foreign money. Militancy makes the province difficult to govern, but there is no running away from reality for the PTI, the leading partner in the coalition. The party must appear to be pursuing what it had promised at the time of the 2013 election.