PESHAWAR
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situations in the province especially in Kurram district and announced to visit Parachinar to look into the matter.
Addressing press conference here at Governor House, soon after performing Umrah, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the current major issue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is law and order that destabilized the whole system.
Governor Kundi highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Kurram District, where around 150 people have lost their lives and more than 200 have been injured due to ongoing violence since October.
Governor Kundi expressed concerns over the lack of attention from the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that while the Chief Executive is preoccupied with issues in Islamabad, the situation in Kurram remains dire. He said, “I will personally visit Kurram to assess the situation and work towards restoring peace there.”
Kundi also called for unity among the province’s political leadership, stressing that when they come together, solutions to issues can be found.
He invited the Chief Minister to join him in Kurram to play a role in controlling the situation. “When the political leadership unites, the way forward becomes clear,” he added.
In an effort to address the ongoing crisis, the Governor announced plans to hold an All-Party Conference at the Governor House in the first week of December.
He extended an invitation to the Chief Minister, as well as to all political parties, to participate in this conference, which he believes could help find a resolution to the security challenges in the province.
Governor Kundi also discussed humanitarian efforts in Kurram, mentioning that the Red Crescent is actively assisting the victims of the violence. However, he expressed disappointment with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), which had requested assistance but claimed to have no resources to offer.
The Governor emphasized the need for full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to address security concerns nationwide.
He also criticized the recent unrest in Islamabad, saying that such incidents of chaos have undermined national security.
On the security situation, Kundi raised questions about the recent incidents involving the Chief Minister’s security, where 1,500 Frontier Reserve Police (FRPs) were deployed, but still, containers were set on fire. He questioned whether this was a planned escape or a failure in security measures.
Further, Governor Kundi urged the federal government to fulfill its financial commitments to the merged districts, saying a promise of 100 billion rupees for the areas. He stressed that the provincial government would continue to fight the case of province right at national level.
Regarding the recent protests, the Governor mentioned that both law enforcement and protestors had casualties, but questioned the validity of claims from the opposition about their losses, saying that no funerals or memorial services had been seen.
He also criticized the Chief Minister and, Bushra Bibi, for fleeing the scene during the protests. He questioned the broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Kundi promised to reach out to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Prime Minister to ensure the victims in Kurram receive the necessary assistance.
He also assured that the government would work to transfer the injured to other hospitals in the province, and he would ask the Interior Minister to provide a helicopter for medical evacuations.
Governor Kundi rejected the rumours about ‘Governor Raaj’ and said that he is ready to play his role for the uplift of the province and prosperity of people everytime.
Finally, Governor Kundi warned of the potential spread of violence from Afghanistan into Pakistan, saying, “If the fire from Afghanistan reaches Dera Ismail Khan and spreads to Punjab, what will we do then?” He called for decisive action from the federal government to prevent the situation from worsening.
This press conference highlighted the urgency of addressing security and humanitarian needs in Kurram, with the Governor emphasizing collaboration, both at the political and governmental levels, to resolve these critical issues.
