MARDAN
Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has vowed that a handful of terrorists will not be allowed to disturb the peace of the province. He expressed these views while talking to the media after the inauguration of Azadi Pakistan Solar Expo organized by Mardan chamber of commerce and industry (MCCI) and City government Mardan. Governor was chief guest in the “Azadi Pakistan Solar Expo”. Governor, Mayor Mardan Himayatullah Mayar and former president of MCCI Zahir Shah addressed the ceremony.
Later on talking to the media governor said that the provincial situation must be steered toward improvement and that the people stand united with Pakistan’s armed forces, who are actively fighting terrorism. Criticizing the performance of the PTI provincial government, Kundi said no significant development work was carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during their tenure.
He alleged that new corruption scandals emerged under PTI rule, including the Kohistan scandal, sugar scandal, wheat scandal, and the Billion Tree project scandal. Kundi recalled that in 2008, the ANP government inherited a province marred by terrorism and destruction, yet substantial developmental projects were undertaken under the leadership of then-chief minister Ameer Haider Hoti. He claimed that after Hoti’s tenure, Mardan saw no noteworthy developmental work.
The governor reiterated that despite challenges, the province’s performance since 2013 speaks for itself and that efforts are ongoing to bring lasting stability, development, and prosperity to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Governor inspected the stalls set up by solar panel manufacturers and solar product companies. More than 50 national and international companies showcased their products at the expo. The event was attended by chamber members, business community, and traders from the solar energy sector. Governor highlighted the growing importance of solar energy amid the current electricity crisis. He noted that both residential buildings and industrial units in the province are shifting to solar power, adding that 70% of marble factories in Mardan have already transitioned to solar energy. He termed the promotion of alternative energy sources a commendable effort.
The governor praised the Mardan Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event, stating that load-shedding and high electricity tariffs have worsened the problems of industries and the public. He pointed out that despite Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s high electricity production, the province’s people are deprived of its benefits.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of engineers in promoting affordable energy solutions for both residential and industrial sectors. Kundi said that as governor, he remains in contact with various federal ministries and institutions to improve the province’s situation.
He further stated that anti-peace elements are spreading false propaganda against security institutions, but the people of the province stand firmly with their institutions to bring such elements to justice.
