PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the province’s policy will be determined by Islamabad, not Kabul, Kandahar or Jalalabad, as he outlined the federal government’s priorities following the imposition of governor’s rule in the province.
Addressing his first press conference after the imposition of governor’s rule, Kundi said it would take time to address problems that had developed in the province over the past 13 years.
However, he expressed confidence that the results of the new administration’s measures would begin to become visible within three months.
The governor said it was his first working day in the new situation and that the federal government had placed its trust in him. He described the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule as a last resort.
Kundi said there would be no compromise on law and order in the province and warned that anyone taking the law into their own hands would face the consequences. He added that no one would be allowed to engage in lawlessness.
He pledged full support for improving the performance of the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), saying efforts would be made to meet the requirements of security institutions.
Reiterating his position on the province’s political direction, Kundi said, “Our policy will come from Islamabad, not Kabul, Kandahar or Jalalabad.”
He said he did not want a government whose policies, in his view, were dictated by external centres.
The governor said his objectives were peace, stability and prosperity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside improved coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
Criticism of Previous Provincial Government
Kundi criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government, alleging that it had failed to cooperate with the federal government and had not adopted an effective position against terrorism.
Taking a swipe at political opponents over their protests and claims of bringing a revolution, he said those promising a revolution had not even managed to reach the Governor House.
He identified providing resources to the police as his first priority and said the federal interior minister had provided 10 vehicles to support law enforcement efforts.
The governor also pledged support for the families of security personnel killed in the line of duty, saying the children of martyrs would be looked after and their families would receive all possible assistance.
Kundi announced that intelligence-based operations would be conducted in 12 districts of the province, stressing the need to meet security agencies’ requirements and strengthen counterterrorism measures.
Sohail Afridi’s Detention and Legal Proceedings
Responding to a question about Sohail Afridi, Kundi said the federal interior minister had stated that Afridi was in protective custody and in safe hands.
The governor said he was not a judge and could not decide who should be arrested or released. Those facing cases would have to undergo legal proceedings, while those against whom no cases existed would be released, he added.
He maintained that his actions would speak for themselves and that the rule of law would be ensured throughout the province.
Federal Funds, Trade and Development
Kundi said the federal government was responsible for providing the province with its financial rights and that he would raise the issue with the centre through reasoned arguments.
He added that the president and prime minister were expected to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa soon and would play a role in addressing the province’s problems.
The governor said the focus would remain on practical measures to advance development and prosperity.
He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by traders because of the border situation and pledged efforts to resolve their problems and improve business activity.
Commenting on recent political activities and protests in the province, Kundi claimed that the public had rejected the protest campaign. In a sarcastic remark, he said the protesters’ container was still standing, but no one was coming forward to remove it.
He added that arrangements had been made at the Governor House to receive visitors, but no one had yet attempted to scale its walls.
Concluding his remarks, Kundi said that darkness was always followed by light and expressed hope that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was now moving towards a brighter future.