Peace, development top priorities; reforms to improve system in next three months: Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR, Oct 12 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that restoration of peace, elimination of terrorism and development were the top priorities of the provincial administration, adding that efforts would be made in the next three months to improve the system and introduce reforms.

Addressing a press conference at Governor House Peshawar along with Adviser to Governor on Information and Public Relations Samar Haroon Bilour and Adviser to Governor on Home Affairs Kifayatullah Khan, the Governor said that correcting the shortcomings of the past 13 years was a major challenge.

He said a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against corruption and misuse of authority, adding that no one would be allowed to misuse powers or indulge in corrupt practices.

Governor Kundi said the federal cabinet had taken an important decision by forming an Advisory Council, whose members had assumed their responsibilities. He added that a security committee meeting was held on Sunday while the Apex Committee meeting was convened on the first working day.

He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rendered countless sacrifices in the war against terrorism and the public and security institutions were on the same page in this fight. He made it clear that peace and security in the province would not be compromised.

The Governor said the government stood with Pakistan Army, police, Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies and all necessary resources and facilities would be provided to them. He said steps would be taken to equip police with modern weapons and required equipment, while matters related to increase in salaries of KP police personnel and martyrs’ packages would also be reviewed.

He said Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had handed over 10 Anti-Terrorism Command (ATC) vehicles to KP Police on same day, adding that pending projects aimed at enhancing police capacity would be completed soon.

Governor Kundi said the province’s policy would come from Islamabad and not from Afghanistan. He said those staging protests had their container still parked there, while threats had been issued to attack Governor House, following which necessary security arrangements were made.

He said strict action would be taken according to law against those involved in vandalism and damaging public or private property. He added that peace in the province would attract investment and create new employment opportunities.

The Governor said KP was rich in natural resources, minerals and tourism potential, which would be utilized for public welfare and prosperity. He said effective measures would also be taken for empowerment of women and youth and provision of employment opportunities.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif would also visit the province soon to help resolve its issues.

He urged young doctors to end their protest, assuring that serious efforts would be made to resolve their genuine concerns. He also appealed to university teachers and faculty members to call off their protest, saying their issues would be addressed.

Governor Kundi said resolving problems of the business community was also among the government’s priorities. He added that the federal government’s representative had made progress regarding provision of required resources and facilities to the province.

He said President had also assured cooperation for resolving KP’s issues during a meeting held recently.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the people had rejected politics of chaos and all relevant institutions would have to work together for sustainable peace and development in the province.