Governor accuses Bushra Bibi of micromanaging K-P, calls her 'de-facto CM'

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and former prime minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, labelling her 'de-facto chief minister'.

Speaking to the media at an event hosted by Mardan's mayor, Kundi criticised the ongoing governance in K-P, remarking that CM Gandapur had made several inflammatory statements.

He recounted how Gandapur had vowed not to return from Islamabad to Peshawar without 'the founder,' referring to his allegiance to PTI's leadership. Kundi quipped, “Perhaps he fled thinking Bushra Bibi is the founder."

Kundi also condemned the treatment of Pashtuns in Islamabad and Punjab, asserting that such discrimination against the Pashtun community would no longer be tolerated.

“Every Pashtun is not a terrorist,” he stated, adding that he had raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Punjab government.

The governor further expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in K-P, highlighting that despite daily casualties due to violence in the province, the provincial government continued to distribute large sums of money to its workers, neglecting the security situation.

He noted that Rs10 million were being given to each party worker indiscriminately. “This money should be distributed to all without discrimination,” Kundi emphasised. He further criticised the government's handling of infrastructure issues, mentioning the delay in opening the Kurram Road.

“The Chief Secretary of Kohat promised to open the road within two days, but five days have passed, and the road remains closed,” he added, pointing out the inefficiency of the provincial government.

On the humanitarian front, Kundi highlighted the efforts of the Red Crescent Society, which has been providing food, clothing, medicine, and other assistance to 2,000 displaced families in Kurram. In contrast, he accused the provincial government of being passive and relying on others for aid.

Kundi also took aim at the PTI leadership, stating that if Murad Saeed is hiding in the CM’s house, it is the federal government's duty to intervene.

He claimed that Bushra Bibi, who had once pledged to stand by the Pashtuns until her last breath, had left them behind. “She has fled, abandoning the very people she vowed to support,” he remarked.

The governor also questioned the CM’s intentions, criticising his rhetoric about purchasing weapons and ammunition. “Who are you preparing to use weapons and ammunition against?” he demanded.

Addressing recent political developments, Kundi mentioned that the successful All Party Conference had left CM Gandapur rattled. He confirmed the formation of a political committee that would meet with the president and the PM to address the rights and issues of the province.