KARAK district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has emerged as an important contributor to country’s energy sector due to the discovery and production of significant oil and gas reserves. This development has undoubtedly benefited both federal and provincial governments by strengthening national energy production and reducing dependence on costly imports. However, it is unfortunate that despite producing large volumes of oil and gas on a daily basis, the area remains deprived of even basic facilities.

Many households in the district still do not have access to natural gas. Moreover, there has been little visible improvement by KP government in terms of local infrastructure. Roads are in a poor condition, educational institutions lack resources, and the state of public hospitals is distressing.

The local people rightly feel aggrieved that while their land fuels the country’s energy needs, they continue to live without adequate health, education and development facilities. As a result, public frustration has spilled onto the streets, with protests recently leading to the closure of the Indus Highway, causing inconvenience to commuters and traders alike.

It is imperative that both Islamabad and Peshawar address all these crucial grievances by improving schooling systems, upgrading hospitals and roads, and ensuring the provision of natural gas to households in Karak.

An equitable development is essential for national cohesion. Resource-rich areas must not be left behind while contributing so much to the country’s overall progress.

Arbab Ur Rehman
Karak

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2026