DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sep 29 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday questioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ability to carry out its planned October 4 long march, saying the party should first manage to cross Swabi. Speaking to journalists during a visit to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, where he met victims of the recent suicide attack near the Aman Mela joint checkpost, Kundi warned that strict action …
Governor Kundi Doubts PTI’s Ability to Hold Oct 4 Long March
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Sep 29 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday questioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ability to carry out its planned October 4 long march, saying the party should first manage to cross Swabi.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, where he met victims of the recent suicide attack near the Aman Mela joint checkpost, Kundi warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create unrest or take the law into their own hands.
“Let them first cross Swabi,” he said, referring to the PTI’s proposed march towards Islamabad.
The governor said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing serious security challenges and called for collective efforts to combat terrorism.
He criticised the provincial government for focusing on political confrontation and long marches instead of addressing the security situation.
Kundi said the possibility of imposing governor’s rule was covered by the Constitution and could be considered if the president and prime minister deemed it necessary.
Referring to the PTI’s proposed march, he said previous protests had allegedly benefited from government resources, while the party would now have to rely on its own resources. He expressed doubts that the PTI would therefore be able to proceed with the march.
He also warned government officials against facilitating activities that could lead to unrest, saying action would be taken against those found involved.
Regarding dialogue with the PTI, Kundi said the party usually placed demands and sought assurances before negotiations, which he described as an inappropriate approach to talks.
The governor said he had always supported the provincial government on issues concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and would continue to work for the rights of the people of the province.
On proposed amendments to the Police Act, Kundi recalled that PTI founder Imran Khan had claimed in 2013-14 that his government had depoliticised the provincial police. He questioned the party’s current position on changes to the police system.
Kundi also backed the demands of the Young Doctors Association, saying doctors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being paid less than their counterparts in other provinces. He thanked doctors for ending their strike in Dera Ismail Khan in view of the prevailing security situation.
He further announced that repair work on the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) would formally begin within two days.
In the hospital, he met the injured persons and their families and reviewed the medical facilities being provided to them.
The hospital administration briefed the governor about the treatment and healthcare facilities available to the injured.
The governor said it was encouraging that the injured were being provided comprehensive medical treatment in Dera Ismail Khan itself.
Earlier, the governor also visited the office of the Regional Police Officer (RPO) and met the families of traffic police martyrs from Tank.
Upon arrival at the RPO office, the governor was presented guard of honour.
On the occasion, National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence Chairman Sardar Fatehullah Miankhel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Red Crescent Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir and other political figures were also present.
