ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized that empowering youth and harnessing their positive potential was essential for sustainable peace and development. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has endured the severe impacts of extremism, making it crucial to create opportunities for young people in innovation, interfaith harmony and civic engagement.
He expressed these views while addressing the closing ceremony of the flagship initiative Youth Engagement and Resilience Initiative (YERI), organized by the Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) here Wednesday. The event was attended by HRDN CEO Robeela Bangash, representatives from the European Union, NACTA, UNODC and a large number of youth from across the country.
Governor Kundi termed the YERI project a significant step forward, saying that it not only helped polish the skills of youth but also strengthened efforts to promote social cohesion and counter extremism in Pakistan.
He praised HRDN for its implementation of the initiative, calling it a movement that has enabled young people to actively contribute to leadership, harmony and peace building.
He also extended his gratitude to the European Union, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their valuable support in advancing youth welfare and peace efforts in the country.
Highlighting the achievements of youth champions from Swat, Turbat, Mirpurkhas and Bahawalpur, the Governor remarked that their success was living proof of how proper guidance, opportunities and platforms can transform youth into ambassadors of positive change. The inclusion of young women and individuals from minority communities in the project sends a powerful message that true peace can only be achieved through equality, inclusion and representation, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has stressed the urgent need for timely and effective measures to mitigate the growing impact of climate change, citing increasingly erratic weather patterns as a serious public concern.
During a visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with PPP Parliamentary Leader in KP Assembly, Ahmad Karim Kundi, the Governor received a detailed briefing on potential flood threats, particularly in the Indus River and other major rivers.
Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik informed him about preparedness efforts and current water levels.
The Governor highlighted the urgent need for relief in flood-affected areas like D.I. Khan and criticized local authorities over mismanagement in Swat.
He praised the NDMA’s efforts and assured full support from the Governor House for future disaster response.