KP rights to be secured through dialogue, not through confrontation: Governor KP

ABBOTTABAD, Jun 13 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the province’s constitutional and financial rights will be secured through logic, argument, and democratic dialogue rather than abusive politics or confrontation.

Addressing the PPP Workers Convention in Abbottabad, he said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered due to corruption and that the law and order situation remains a serious concern. He added that those who made promises of jobs and housing failed to fulfill them.

The governor said that police personnel in the province are receiving lower salaries compared to other provinces despite making greater sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and maintaining peace.

He emphasized the need to strengthen the federation, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in natural gas, electricity resources, minerals, and tourism potential. However, he said the province has not received its due share of water, claiming that earlier decisions had deprived it of its rightful resources.

Referring to the Chashma Lift Canal project, he said that its completion could make the province self-sufficient in wheat production. He added that if federal funds were not provided, alternative financing from friendly countries could be explored to complete the project.

Citing Article 158 of the Constitution, he said the first right over natural gas belongs to the producing province and alleged that unfair policies in the past disrupted the supply of wheat and gas. He said legal efforts had led to the restoration of wheat supply and CNG stations.

Faisal Karim Kundi said that public support was increasingly shifting towards the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), adding that strong performances in Gilgit-Baltistan reflected growing public confidence. He credited PPP leadership, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asifa Bhutto Zardari, for their active political engagement.

He expressed confidence that if the party remains united, it could form the next government, claiming that the next Prime Minister would be Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and a PPP worker would become the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The governor also announced plans to pursue development projects, including a cricket stadium for Abbottabad and Mansehra, and said he had raised the issue with PCB Chairman and Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He added that approval had been granted for the Abbottabad interchange in the federal budget and thanked the Prime Minister for it.

He further said that funds had been allocated for the Mansehra–Muzaffarabad Motorway and efforts would be made to start work soon. He also assured the restoration of the Ayubia chairlift.

On public welfare, he said that a hospital would be established in Abbottabad in collaboration with the Sindh government under PPP initiatives to provide free healthcare services.

Calling for unity, he urged the youth and political stakeholders to pursue their rights through constitutional and democratic means, stressing that collective efforts were necessary to secure the province’s share in national resources.

He also praised the federal leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Asim Munir, for Pakistan’s diplomatic role and expressed hope that improved international confidence would lead to increased investment and economic stability.

He concluded by reiterating his optimism that PPP would play a leading role in future governments at both the federal and provincial levels.