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PESHAWAR, Jan 13 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over a sharp increase in terrorist incidents across both settled and merged districts of the province, urging the provincial government to take urgent and sincere measures to restore lasting peace.
Addressing a press conference here at Governor House, the Governor said that police and armed forces were making immense sacrifices in ongoing counterterrorism operations, while the provincial government appeared reluctant to respond effectively to the worsening security situation. He stressed that the growing threat of terrorism required immediate and serious policy decisions.
Governor Kundi criticized the provincial government for demanding evidence of Afghan soil being used in terrorist activities, saying that the entire world had already acknowledged that Afghan territory was being exploited for terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.
He questioned why proof was being sought from outside when accountability within the state was also essential.
He urged the provincial government to stop “representing Afghanistan and the TTP” and instead focus on ensuring sustainable peace within the province and the country.
Referring to recent developments, the Governor said that after Kurram district, residents of district Khyber had also begun migrating, warning that the government must immediately prepare for the management and rehabilitation of temporary displaced persons (TDPs).
The Governor also called on the federal government not to ignore Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to political differences. He appealed to the Prime Minister to visit the province and initiate major development projects such as laptop distribution schemes and the establishment of Danish Schools to strengthen public trust in the federal government.
He further urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to develop international standard stadiums in Peshawar and other districts of the province.
Emphasizing unity, Governor Kundi said that peace could only be achieved if all stakeholders worked together. “Our province needs peace above all,” he said.
Commenting on recent political events, the Governor said that during the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s visit to Sindh, he was warmly received and provided full security by the Sindh government.
He said that the Chief Minister faced no hurdles in Karachi, but later blamed the Sindh government when he got stuck in traffic due to a self-initiated route change.
He criticized the decision to hold a rally on the main road near Mazar-e-Quaid instead of Jinnah Park, saying it appeared intended to disrupt traffic.
Governor Kundi accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of promoting politics of chaos and polarization, adding that despite claiming to be a major political party, it had failed to nominate a credible opposition leader at the federal level.
Reiterating his appeal, the Governor urged the provincial government to prioritize peace in the province, stop focusing on Afghanistan, prepare in advance for potential TDPs, and fully support the armed forces and police in the fight against terrorism.
He praised the bravery of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police but criticized the provincial government for failing to enhance their professional capacity, saying that no modern weapons or bulletproof vehicles had been procured.
He alleged that even vehicles sent by the federal government were refused by the provincial authorities.
The Governor concluded by stressing that unity and collective effort were essential to restore peace and stability in the province.