Governor criticizes KP govt over governance, terrorism issues

PESHAWAR, Oct 09 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday criticized the provincial government, saying that it was ignoring governance, terrorism and public issues while remaining engaged in political activities.

Addressing a press conference at the Governor House, he said that terrorism was the biggest challenge facing the province and the government should focus on improving law and order, eliminating terrorism and resolving problems of the people instead of political shows.

The Governor thanked the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for turning the march into a “lucky Irani circus,” adding that political leaders returned to their homes while leaving workers on the roads. He questioned the provincial government’s performance regarding implementation of the National Action Plan and asked what practical steps had been taken to eliminate terrorism from the province.

Faisal Karim Kundi said that terrorists were targeting innocent people, police, armed forces and other security personnel, adding that sacrifices of law enforcement agencies could not be ignored. He stressed that a clear and firm stance against terrorism was necessary. He said that the government supported dialogue, but terrorism was a red line and no compromise could be made on it. He added that preventing military operations against terrorists was an anti-state narrative and serious measures were required to eliminate the menace.

Talking about the police force, the Governor said that around 17,000 posts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police were vacant and urged the provincial government to take immediate steps to fill them and enhance police strength. He said that the Counter Terrorism Department’s capacity needed to be enhanced, adding that the police required Rs 42 billion while only Rs1.2 billion had been provided. He also expressed concern over lack of progress on construction of police lines and stations in merged districts and absence of Safe City projects in sensitive areas.

The Governor said that he had raised the issues of police salaries and welfare and urged the provincial government to provide necessary resources to the police for effectively combating terrorism.

Regarding the march, he urged the participants to follow the law and cooperate with relevant institutions. He said effective measures should be taken to prevent illegal movement of weapons and narcotics, adding that no one could be allowed to violate the law in the name of political activities.

He warned that any attempt to repeat incidents like May 9 would be dealt with according to law. He said Pakistan Peoples Party was the party that created the Constitution and political parties should work for national stability and peace.

Faisal Karim Kundi said after the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the PPP raised the slogan of “Pakistan Khappay” instead of launching protests, adding that national security and unity were above political interests.

He said that if the provincial government could not protect its own ministers, it could not safeguard the rights and resources of the people. He called upon the Chief Minister to resign if he had “even a little moral courage.”

Responding to questions regarding his constitutional powers, the Governor said the provincial government should study the Constitution to understand the responsibilities and authority of the Governor’s office. He said he would continue to call the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police whenever required to discuss provincial issues.

He said that the provincial government had sought his cooperation during the CNG and flour crises and he had always played his role in resolving issues of the province with the federal government. The Governor urged the government to address protests by doctors, teachers and TMA employees through negotiations and provide relief to people facing rising flour prices, terrorism and other problems.

Responding to a question about Governor’s Rule, Faisal Karim Kundi said that it would be imposed whenever the President and Prime Minister deemed appropriate.