ABBOTTABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday urged the political parties to unite and prioritize peace amidst escalating unrest in the province.
Addressing a press conference at the Abbottabad Press Club, Kundi emphasized the need for an All Parties Conference to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
He criticized the provincial government’s inaction in paying tribute to martyrs during the assembly session, focusing instead on whether the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would be banned. He condemned the use of abusive politics by those lacking substantial arguments.
Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted ongoing extortion in the Chief Minister’s constituency and compared the current unrest to the peace established by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from 2008 to 2013. He stressed the need for employment generation in the province and mentioned the ongoing discussions with China to activate industrial zones.
The Governor criticized the provincial government’s complaints about not receiving central funds, pointing out their previous silence when their party was in power at the center. He vowed to secure the province’s rights through arguments and discussions, noting misappropriation of funds intended for merged districts.
Kundi announced the imminent inauguration of the Chashma Left Canal with the Prime Minister’s cooperation, addressing the severe load shedding despite the province’s significant gas and electricity production. He asserted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional right to these resources and criticized bureaucratic obstacles in wheat distribution from Punjab.
The Governor also highlighted the administrative shortcomings, revealing that 26 out of 34 universities in the province lack vice-chancellors. He refuted claims of PTI’s support for youth, citing neglected sports facilities and the absence of cricket academies. Kundi announced plans to establish cricket academies in South Peshawar and Abbottabad.
He emphasized the Governor House’s role as a bridge between the provincial government and the center, lamenting the lack of cooperation. Kundi called for exposing conspirators in Bannu and warned against pushing the public into further conflict. He defended the democratic right to peaceful protest while condemning the PTI’s history of violent demonstrations.
About the judicial decision on Imran Khan, Kundi highlighted the irony of PTI members now demanding privileges for political prisoners. He praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s political acumen and urged political parties to work together to rescue the province from darkness.
Kundi reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to freedom of expression and promised to address journalists’ issues, enhancing their capacity and welfare. He assured a transparent inquiry into irregularities at Abbottabad University, as highlighted by PPP Provincial President Muhammad Ali Bacha and Press Club officials.