Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has urged those opposing Operation Azm-e-Istahkam to present their rationale for opposing the peace initiative.
He firmly stated that negotiations cannot be held with anyone who does not recognize the country’s constitution and laws.
Addressing a press conference at the Abbottabad Press Club, Governor Kundi highlighted the critical need for an All Parties Conference to address the province’s deteriorating security situation.
He emphasized that political differences should be set aside to prioritize peace in the region.
Governor Kundi pointed out that the province has been under the administration of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the past decade.
Despite this, various districts, including Bannu, have witnessed significant loss of life among military personnel, police, media professionals, and civilians.
He criticized the provincial government’s lack of a tribute to the martyrs during their assembly session, instead focusing on whether PTI would be banned.
Kundi remarked that those without logical arguments resort to abusive politics.
The press conference was attended by Amjad Afridi, Provincial President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, General Secretary Shuja Saleem aka Shazi Khan, Divisional President Malik Farooq, and former National Assembly candidate Syed Saleem Shah, among others.
Governor Kundi stated that extortion is rampant in the Chief Minister’s constituency. He recalled that from 2008 to 2013, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) established peace by sealing the borders.
Governor Kundi stressed the need for employment initiatives in the province.
He highlighted past efforts by PPP, in collaboration with China, to establish industrial zones, and assured that discussions with the central government to activate these zones are ongoing.
He criticized the provincial government for complaining about lack of funds from the central government, pointing out their silence when they held power centrally.
The Governor emphasized the importance of dialogue with the central government to secure the province’s rights, mentioning that funds approved for merged districts were underutilized and accusing the provincial government of mismanagement.
He announced plans to inaugurate the Chashma Lift Canal with the Prime Minister’s support and highlighted the province’s production of 90,000 barrels of gas and significant electricity generation, yet suffering the highest load shedding rates.
Kundi urged the enforcement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional rights to these resources.
Governor Kundi also noted that 26 out of 34 universities in the province lack Vice Chancellors, criticizing the government’s dishonesty regarding the pending summaries.
He compared the educational funding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to other provinces, asserting that the allocation is insufficient.
He also criticized PTI’s claims of being a youth-oriented party, citing a lack of initiatives for young people, including underdeveloped sports facilities and cricket academies.
In terms of healthcare, Kundi challenged a comparison of how many people travel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Sindh for treatment versus the opposite.
He reiterated his commitment to bridging cooperation between the provincial government and the central government through the Governor House but lamented the provincial government’s unwillingness to collaborate.
He called for the exposure of conspirators in Bannu and urged the province not to be thrown back into turmoil.
Governor Kundi defended peaceful protests as a democratic right but condemned the PTI for their history of violent demonstrations.
He stated that decisions regarding Imran Khan would be made by the judiciary, referencing Khan’s previous stance against privileges for political prisoners.
He criticized PTI for their inconsistent stance towards military personnel and highlighted Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s strategic political maneuvers against PTI.
Kundi called on all political parties to work together to lead the province out of darkness.
He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a strong liaison with the media, enhancing journalists’ capacities, and resolving their issues.
The PPP has always championed freedom of expression, he added, mentioning that he has taken notice of irregularities at Abbottabad University and assured a transparent inquiry.
Earlier, PPP Provincial President Muhammad Ali Bacha discussed the party’s organizational matters, while Abbottabad Press Club President Muhammad Shahid Chaudhry and General Secretary Sardar Shafiq Ahmed highlighted the club’s role and initiatives for journalists’ welfare and raised various issues.
