Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has accused the provincial government of lacking a clear counterterrorism policy, criticising its response to militant attacks and demanding stronger action to protect the public.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Kundi challenged the provincial government to issue a public statement condemning terrorist groups. He alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had failed to openly speak against terrorism and developments in Afghanistan.
“The public, police and security forces are sacrificing their lives, but these people are too afraid to issue even a statement,” Kundi said.
He further alleged that the provincial government had once again facilitated the resettlement of terrorists in the region. He also claimed that attacks were taking place in areas through which a recent political march was passing.
Kundi said police should search the convoy travelling to Islamabad, although he did not provide further details about the alleged security concerns.
Kundi Criticises PTI Over Afghanistan
The governor also alleged that Afghanistan had become a hub for India and Israel, accusing PTI of remaining silent about developments there.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had consistently supported dialogue as a means of resolving political disputes.
Kundi’s remarks come amid continuing security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence and the capacity of law enforcement agencies remain major issues.
Governor Defends Summoning Senior Officials
Kundi also responded to questions about his meeting with the provincial inspector general of police (IGP) and chief secretary, saying he had summoned the officials in his capacity as governor.
He said the chief minister had questioned the authority under which the two officials were called to the Governor House.
“I summoned them in the same capacity in which you approached me over the wheat and CNG crises,” Kundi said, adding that he would summon the IGP and chief secretary whenever he considered it necessary.
The governor also criticised threats to besiege the Governor House, questioning the provincial government’s ability to protect citizens when, according to him, it could not adequately protect its own lawmakers and ministers.
“If you cannot provide security, the cabinet should resign,” he said.
Kundi Targets Chief Minister, Questions Political March
In further criticism of the provincial leadership, Kundi described the province as being held hostage by what he called incompetent and incapable people.
He expressed doubts that the political march would reach Swabi, challenging its participants to travel there rather than continue moving between cities.
The governor also used cricketing references to criticise the political leadership, saying the current political environment was like T20 cricket rather than a Test match. He added that the people he was criticising were also known for match-fixing and ball-tampering.
Kundi further alleged that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lacked independent authority and acted on the instructions of PTI leader Murad Saeed.
The allegations reflect the ongoing political confrontation between the provincial government and the governor. The claims made during the press conference were not independently verified in the reported remarks.
