KP cannot afford long march, says Governor

PESHAWAR, Sep 28 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday visited Khyber Teaching Hospital and expressed solidarity with protesting house officers and trainee medical officers, urging them to end their strike in view of the prevailing security situation in Dera Ismail Khan.

Following the Governor’s request, the Young Doctors announced the withdrawal of their protest in Dera Ismail Khan, saying the decision had been taken in view of the area’s security situation. They appreciated Governor Kundi’s positive role and thanked him for his efforts.

Talking to media, Governor Kundi said doctors and university faculty members in the province were protesting for their legitimate rights, adding that those demanding rights in Islamabad should also ensure justice for those protesting within the province.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could not afford a long march under the current law and order situation, as terrorism continued to claim lives. He urged the provincial government to focus on restoring peace, improving governance and addressing corruption while taking all stakeholders into confidence.

The Governor called on all political parties to develop a joint strategy for lasting peace and play their role on the frontline against terrorism. He urged the provincial government to postpone the proposed long march and concentrate on improving the security situation.

Referring to constitutional provisions, Governor Kundi said Governor’s Rule was imposed only under extraordinary circumstances when a province faced serious deterioration in law and order.

He urged the provincial government not to allow the situation to reach that stage, adding that if conditions worsened, the President could impose Governor’s Rule on the advice of the Prime Minister.