Governor Kundi vows to prioritise security, development in KP

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 04 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday said that the fight against terrorism remains the top priority of the provincial government, followed by efforts to ensure peace, prosperity and development in the province.

Addressing the local elders and prominent figures here after chairing a high-level meeting in Dera Ismail Khan, the governor said he had received briefings from various government departments on the law and order situation, security arrangements, administrative matters and ongoing development projects.

Clarifying the status of 12 districts declared as being under an emergency, Kundi dismissed reports that they were being made separate provinces or merged with the former tribal areas as baseless rumours. He said the districts had been identified because of being terrorism victims and that 70 per cent of the Rs160 billion federal development package announced by the prime minister would be spent in these areas.

He said the foundation of the Danish School System was being laid in the region, while further development initiatives would also be introduced.

The governor said the provincial government was allocating Rs40 billion for the Bannu, Malakand and Dera Ismail Khan divisions to meet the requirements of the police department, including the construction and improvement of police stations, check posts, DIG offices and DPO offices and others. He added that around 17,000 posts in the police department were vacant and the department’s staffing and infrastructure needs would be addressed.

About the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) breach, he said the authorities had been given a deadline of November 15 to 20 to restore water supply through the canal. Explaining the delay, he said water could not be released in phases because the canal embankment was still weak. Premature release of water could cause a breach and destroy the work already completed, he added.

The governor said the farmers would have to wait another 15 to 20 days for the water supply to be restored through a proper and safe system.

He further announced that tenders for Phase-I of the Chashma Lift Canal project would be opened on November 11 and 12, while the tendering process for Phase-IV would begin on December 1.

He also announced that a cadet college was being established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the children of police and security personnel who had laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Kundi said the government was also working to resolve issues facing universities and other educational institutions, stressing that hospitals and universities would be run by professionals rather than politicians or student unions.

“We want to strengthen institutions rather than individuals,” he said, adding that constructive suggestions from local representatives and community elders would be welcomed and implemented.

He said anti-encroachment and cleanliness drives were also underway across the province and would continue without political victimisation or discrimination.

The governor urged local people to offer practical suggestions for improving peace, development and prosperity in the province.

Commissioner Dera Division Dawood Khan, Regional Police Officer, Deputy Commissioner, District Police Officer, assistant commissioners and heads of various government departments attended the meeting. Local political figures and elders, including MPA Ehsanullah Miankhel, Haleem Qasuria, Qaizar Khan Miankhel and PPP District President Malik Farhan Dhap, were also present.

Later, while talking to media, the governor said the government was committed to eliminate terrorism and in this regard, all-out efforts would be made to achieve the objective.

Replying to a question about the talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said that currently no talks were underway. He added that the PTI itself is in disarray and seems to be divided in this regard. Thus, the talks can happen when the PTI comes on a similar page.

Hr said that the government is committed to further strengthening departments and institutions by eradicating the menace of corruption and ensuring transparency.