Internal differences within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and political infighting among its various factions are reportedly affecting key public development projects in Mardan district, depriving residents of essential services. The feasibility study for establishing a satellite centre of the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Takht Bhai, the constituency of former Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali, had already been completed, and progress was being made. However, the proposed location of the hospital was suddenly changed.
Project Details and Original Plans
According to a notification issued by the Health Department on June 22, the project titled “251503 – Establishment of Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) Satellite Centre at Mardan (2025–26)” has been included in the Current Financial Year (CFY) Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26 at a total cost of Rs5 billion, with an allocation of Rs50 million. The scheme was discussed and its PC-II was approved by the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) in its meeting held on December 18, 2025, at a cost of Rs100 million. Accordingly, administrative approval was granted on January 5, 2026.
Change of Location
The notification further states that the Executive Engineer, Mega Projects C&W Division, Mardan, informed the department that, according to the approved PC-II, the proposed site for the project was THQ Hospital Takht Bhai. However, following further deliberations and directions from the competent authorities, the site was deemed unsuitable for the establishment of the PIC Satellite Centre. It was subsequently proposed that Bacha Khan Medical Complex (BKMC), Mardan, would be the most suitable and feasible location due to its existing healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and capacity to support the project’s objectives. The notification requested the submission of a revised PC-II incorporating the change in project location from THQ Hospital Takht Bhai to Bacha Khan Medical Complex for further processing and approval at the earliest.
Political Interference Alleged
Political circles claim that differences among various PTI groups, as well as between members of the national and provincial assemblies from Mardan district, have led to changes in the priorities of development projects, directly affecting initiatives of public importance. Critics argue that if the project had already completed the feasibility stage, changing its location would not only result in a waste of time and resources but also delay the provision of modern cardiac care facilities to the people of the area. Public and social circles have demanded that development projects, particularly in the health sector, be implemented on the basis of public need and merit rather than political considerations, so that citizens can benefit from essential services without unnecessary delays.
