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PESHAWAR, Oct 24 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized that peace is essential for the province’s prosperity and development, asserting that ongoing operations against terrorists are intelligence-based and targeted.
He reiterated his willingness to play a bridging role between the provincial and federal governments, urging all political forces to unite in defending the rights and resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through dialogue and reason.
Addressing a joint press conference with Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at the Governor’s House Peshawar on Friday, Governor Kundi welcomed the visiting Punjab Governor and thanked him for his visit.
He said Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi should attend meetings with the Prime Minister to ensure that the province’s stance is effectively presented. “The provincial government should set aside political differences and sit with the federation to discuss public issues, particularly the NFC Award,” he added.
Governor Kundi said he had taken up the issue of the Pak-Afghan border closure with federal ministers and expressed hope that it would reopen soon, as the closure was severely affecting traders and leading to the spoilage of perishable goods on both sides.
He warned that the security situation in the southern and merged districts was deteriorating, with daily casualties among police, army, and FC personnel.
“Afghans are involved in more than half of the recent terrorist incidents, including the D.I. Khan Police Training School attack. If they do not leave the area, targeted and intelligence-based operations should be conducted to restore peace,” he stressed.
Governor Kundi further said he had already discussed wheat supply from Punjab with the Chief Minister of Punjab and had requested Governor Saleem Haider to raise the matter with him again to facilitate inter-provincial coordination.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said this was his first visit to Peshawar and that he sought to strengthen ties between provinces.
“Punjab has always played the role of an elder brother and will continue to do so in the current circumstances,” he said.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always believed in democracy and resolving political issues through dialogue.
Referring to inter-provincial cooperation, he said that just as Punjab benefits from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s electricity, gas, and tobacco, the latter depends on Punjab for wheat supply and pledged to discuss the issue with the Punjab Chief Minister.
Responding to a question, Governor Saleem Haider said the PPP’s alliance with the PML-N was for the sake of the country.
“Nothing is above Pakistan. We must all play our collective role in steering the nation out of difficulties,” he said, adding that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was a credit to the PPP, while discussions on a 27th Amendment had not yet taken place.