Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has issued a firm message against terrorism, declaring that intelligence-based operations will continue wherever terrorist elements are present, stressing that the protection of citizens and restoration of peace remain essential to the province’s future.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, the governor made it clear that there would be no compromise on the fight against terrorism, emphasising that security operations would be guided by intelligence and the presence of terrorist elements rather than political considerations.
“Wherever terrorists are present, intelligence-based operations will be conducted,” Kundi stated, underlining the government’s resolve to confront security threats and prevent militant groups from destabilising the province.
Taking aim at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the KP governor criticised what he described as the party’s past politics of confrontation, disorder and hostility between provinces.
He observed that in the past, people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were brought into political confrontations and unrest, but asserted that the era of spreading chaos and creating divisions among provinces must now come to an end.
Kundi stressed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs stability, development, economic prosperity and effective governance rather than political agitation and endless confrontation.
“The priority should be to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a prosperous province,” he maintained, adding that political leadership must focus on addressing public concerns instead of deepening divisions.
The governor also questioned PTI’s political conduct during its previous tenure, arguing that its approach was more focused on creating unrest than strengthening democratic institutions.
In a particularly sharp remark, Kundi alleged that the previous government’s policies were being directed from Kandahar rather than reflecting the democratic interests of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He further expressed concern over what he described as PTI leaders’ failure to openly condemn terrorism, questioning their political position on a matter that directly threatens the lives and security of the province’s citizens.
Kundi asserted that terrorism should never become a subject of political compromise and that every political party must demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to peace and security.
In a sarcastic assessment of PTI’s internal political dynamics, Faisal Karim Kundi remarked that although there was only one PTI, it appeared to have four different franchises, raising questions about who actually held the authority to make decisions within the party.
His remarks reflected his criticism of what he portrayed as internal divisions and competing centres of political authority within PTI. The governor also suggested that the party would now have to adopt a more responsible political approach and move away from confrontational politics.
Turning to civic issues in Peshawar, Kundi highlighted serious shortcomings in municipal management, revealing that approximately 11,000 manholes across the provincial capital were without covers, posing significant risks to public safety.
He also raised concerns about the establishment of illegal encroachments allegedly facilitated through payments to certain individuals, stressing that the ongoing anti-encroachment operation would continue.
The governor emphasised the importance of improving urban infrastructure, protecting citizens from preventable hazards and ensuring that public spaces are managed in accordance with the law.
He indicated that addressing such longstanding civic problems was essential to improving the quality of life for residents of Peshawar and restoring public confidence in governance.
Faisal Karim Kundi expressed gratitude to the prime minister for extending a development package worth Rs160 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing federal support as important for the province’s development and prosperity.
He also announced that he would hold a press briefing on November 11 to present a one-month performance report, outlining progress and developments relating to his responsibilities and the province’s key issues.
The governor’s announcement signals an emphasis on public accountability and communicating government performance to the people.
Concluding his remarks, Kundi reiterated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot afford another period of political instability, terrorism or inter-provincial hostility. He maintained that the province’s future depends on eliminating terrorist threats, strengthening governance, improving public infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to economic growth.
His message was unequivocal: intelligence-based operations against terrorist elements will continue, political differences must not undermine national security, and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve peace, stability and prosperity rather than perpetual confrontation.
“The priority must be peace, security and a prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not terrorism, political chaos or hatred between provinces.”
