At the TTI seminar on “Rethinking Building a Resilient Pakistan – Climate Adaptation and Disaster Management”, Senator Hidayatullah Khan emerged as a candid and powerful voice demanding reforms, accountability, and honest leadership. Representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Senate, he spoke with urgency about Pakistan’s repeated failures in disaster management and climate resilience, linking these shortcomings not only to environmental pressures but also to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of vision. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, as he underscored that resilience cannot be built without transparency, strong institutions, and political integrity.
A Seasoned Political Voice
Senator Hidayatullah Khan is a seasoned parliamentarian from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, elected to the Senate for the term 2021–2027 on a general seat representing the Awami National Party (ANP). He serves as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control and sits on several other influential committees, including Finance, Water Resources, Power, and Housing. Known for his strong presence and advocacy for the rights of tribal communities, Senator Hidayatullah has consistently championed accountability and reform within the parliamentary system.
Governance Failures and Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on Pakistan’s history, Senator Hidayatullah highlighted how decades of missed opportunities have left the country vulnerable to both natural and man-made crises. Despite over seven decades of independence, Pakistan continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure, fragile institutions, and weak governance. The Senator emphasized that even when resources are allocated, corruption and poor management often prevent them from being used effectively. In disaster-hit areas, this negligence multiplies suffering and undermines recovery efforts.
Corruption at the Core
Central to his address was the assertion that corruption lies at the heart of governance failures. Senator Hidayatullah lamented that projects often start with enthusiasm but are abandoned midway because officials siphon off resources for personal gain. This chronic practice not only wastes public funds but also destroys trust in institutions and discourages international donors from extending much-needed assistance. Without curbing corruption and prioritizing transparency, he warned, Pakistan will remain trapped in a cycle of crisis, blame, and abandonment.
Youth Migration and Brain Drain
Senator Hidayatullah also expressed grave concern over Pakistan’s youth migration crisis. He pointed out that widespread corruption, unemployment, and weak governance have driven young doctors, engineers, professionals, and even laborers to seek opportunities abroad. This “brain drain,” he said, is a tragic loss for the country, reflecting not only the failure to create jobs but also the disillusionment of youth who no longer see a future in Pakistan. He urged policymakers to prioritize youth empowerment, skill development, and employment to reverse this damaging trend.
Disasters Made Worse by Mismanagement
Natural disasters, Senator Hidayatullah argued, are unavoidable but their impact is often magnified by human failure. He cited the example of floods and earthquakes, where poor planning, unregulated construction, and deforestation exacerbate risks. By allowing illegal construction on riverbanks or ignoring environmental regulations, authorities contribute directly to catastrophic outcomes. He criticized the lack of enforcement and the culture of taking “personal shares” in illegal activities, which compounds environmental risks and weakens resilience.
Weak Institutions and the Blame Game
In a striking critique, Senator Hidayatullah described how institutions evade accountability by engaging in a perpetual blame game. Instead of owning their mistakes, officials, political leaders, and institutions point fingers at each other, resulting in systemic stagnation. This absence of accountability, he argued, prevents real reform and leaves the country unable to effectively manage crises.
A Call for Honest Leadership and Reform
Senator Hidayatullah concluded his address by stressing that resilience cannot be achieved without honest leadership. He called for urgent reforms to strengthen institutions, enforce accountability, and place public interest above political gain. For Pakistan to build a resilient future, he argued, it must move away from short-term fixes and adopt long-term strategic planning rooted in transparency and integrity.
Senator Hidayatullah Khan’s address was a clear and uncompromising reminder that Pakistan’s resilience depends not only on climate adaptation but also on political honesty, institutional reform, and the empowerment of its people. Without these foundations, disasters will continue to expose the country’s governance failures; with them, Pakistan can transform crises into opportunities for reform and survival.
