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PESHAWAR, Nov 20 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said that steering the young generation in a positive direction was a shared responsibility, adding that those who play a constructive role today would be remembered favourably in history.
He said that his own journey was made possible by Allah’s blessings, his parents’ prayers and the confidence of his party leadership, and he aimed to leave behind a positive legacy.
He expressed these views while speaking to a delegation of the Federal Youth Parliament, led by its General Secretary Saqib Ali. Senior politician Nighat Orakzai of the Pakistan Peoples Party was also present.
Governor Kundi said women’s empowerment and youth engagement remain among his top priorities, saying that for the first time the Governor House has been made an actively functioning institution.
Recalling his tenure as the central Information Secretary of the party, he said he maintained extensive coordination nationwide with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari ties that still remain strong.
He emphasized that wherever he goes, he strives to project the positive image of Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the province must eliminate the lingering perception of unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping.
“We are bringing people from all walks of life to visit Peshawar. The CE Conference and the Inter-Sect Harmony Conferences are part of this effort,” he added.
The Governor said he has also visited the Khyber Peace Jirga and the Provincial Assembly with the same message that the gap between the federation and the province must be bridged, and issues can only be resolved through constructive dialogue.
“No province can fight terrorism alone. We need federal support and the full cooperation of Pakistan’s armed forces. Without the security forces, peace in the province would not be possible,” he remarked.
He said the provincial government has been clearly advised to negotiate with the federal government based on logic and constitutional rights, assuring that he represents Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as its advocate in the federation.
Highlighting challenges facing women in the province, he said that many girls lag behind in employment after completing their education. A new policy is being developed to ensure that every qualified girl receives opportunities according to her abilities.
Governor Kundi also mentioned that land had been allocated in Peshawar for a hospital named after Benazir Bhutto, and he was trying to ensure the federal government inaugurates it soon. He regretted that the previous provincial government had discouraged the Indus Hospital project, and efforts were being made to bring it back.
The Governor praised the exceptional talent of KP’s youth, who have earned recognition worldwide.
He said awards are being given to individuals who bring honour to the province at national and international levels, and a digital application is being launched to facilitate sponsorships for athletes. For the first time in the country’s history, a Farmers’ Award is also being introduced. Media professionals were similarly honoured for their performance during Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, he said.
Encouraging young people to bring forward their ideas, he assured them that the Governor House would offer full support. “We must change the destiny of this province ourselves. No one from outside will do it for us,” he said, stressing the importance of technical education and appreciating NAVTTC’s role in this regard.
Responding to a question, he said Afghanistan had long been a battleground for global powers, and India was now collaborating with Afghanistan to fuel terrorism inside Pakistan.
He said cross-border infiltration continued, and Pakistan’s security forces were making great sacrifices for peace.
“We attempted dialogue at every forum, but cooperation was not received,” he said, adding that strict measures were necessary for ensuring peace.
The Governor praised the security forces for foiling major incidents, including the APS-2 attack in Wana and the Islamabad Judicial Complex attack. “Those who defy the Constitution and the law must face firm action,” he stressed.
The Governor answered several questions from the youth and cut a cake to mark Universal Children’s Day. Members of the Federal Youth Parliament thanked Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for his support and hospitality.