PESHAWAR: Recent rainfall has once again exposed the fragile state of the provincial capital’s basic services. Despite repeated government claims of restoring Peshawar’s “lost glory,” the Peshawar infrastructure and governance crisis 2026 was laid bare on Saturday as the city’s drainage and power systems collapsed under the first spell of rain.
The city’s electricity distribution network proved its extreme vulnerability at the start of the downpour. Strong winds and rain caused 105 feeders to trip, instantly crippling the supply system across most neighborhoods. This power outage intensified the misery of residents already grappling with an agonizing gas shortage. While briefings and files in government offices boast of modernizing services, the ground reality shows a system that cannot withstand even a minor weather event.
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Drainage Collapse and Sewerage Failure
Peshawar’s streets turned into ponds as overflowing drains and choked gutters exposed the lack of pre-rain maintenance. This recurring issue highlights the failure of the local government and provincial departments to clear plastic shopping bags, garbage, and construction debris from sewerage lines. The Peshawar infrastructure and governance crisis 2026 is most visible in the stagnant water collecting on broken roads, which turns thoroughfares into hazardous marshes.
Successive governments have announced grand development schemes to transform the city, yet the physical state of the roads remains dilapidated. Dilapidated streets further aggravate the drainage issues, as water settles in potholes and uneven patches. This situation has pushed Peshawar’s already sluggish and obstructed traffic into a state of total confusion, causing immense frustration for commuters.
Prioritizing Management Over Promises
The current administration continues to announce massive projects under various high-powered platforms. While these announcements receive public welcome, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. Experts argue that instead of focusing on long-term “mega-projects” that take years to materialize, the government must first improve its existing monitoring systems.
There is an urgent need to utilize available manpower and resources to address basic municipal functions. By seeking cooperation from elected leadership at every level, the government could rectify the immediate grievances of the citizens.
Until the administration bridges the gap between official files and the flooded streets, Peshawar’s “lost glory” will remain a distant dream in the ongoing Peshawar infrastructure and governance crisis 2026.
