Kundi says Constitution allows governor's rule

Says provincial stability and funding rely on cooperation with federal government

SWABI:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has reiterated that the Constitution of Pakistan contains a provision for the imposition of Governor's Rule, stating that confrontational politics, protests and sit-ins cannot resolve political or administrative issues.

He said politics and governance must remain separate, and warned that a province cannot secure federal funds through abuse, hostility or pressure tactics.

Addressing a gathering of party workers at the hujra of PPP Tehsil Razar President Malik Jehan Akbar, Kundi said the choice of imposing Governor's Rule ultimately depends on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government itself. "If the PTI provincial government wants it, Governor's Rule will be implemented; if not, it will not happen. But the fact remains that the constitution provides for it," he said.

Kundi emphasised that the province cannot function without cooperation with the federal government. He urged PTI leaders to support federal, intelligence and security agencies in counterterrorism operations, noting that recent acts of terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have resulted in the martyrdom and injuries of security personnel, including assistant commissioners. He said Pakistan continues to face threats from Israeli and Indian involvement through Afghanistan, which is being used for hostile activities.

Commenting on PTI's ongoing protests for the release of Imran Khan, the governor said that issues of detention or release are purely judicial and governmental matters. "Dharna politics and blocking roads cannot achieve results. Their own secretary general and chairman are lawyers; they should pursue legal remedies in the courts," he stated. He added that PTI's recent demonstration at the Swabi Interchange showed minimal participation, proving that such protests do not help political engagement.

The governor urged the public to elect representatives under the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party who are capable of resolving public grievances rather than merely "thumping desks in the assembly" like PTI lawmakers. "There is a proper mechanism to secure funds from the federation. How can funds be obtained when PTI leadership engages in stubbornness and abusive language?" he asked.

Kundi further criticised PTI's performance over the past two years, asking whether corruption and terrorism had decreased or increased under its rule. He noted that despite social media portrayals of Swabi as "Paris or Switzerland," the ground realities show that people continue to demand basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

He praised PPP workers for their commitment, describing them as the party's "true strength" who always stand by the leadership in difficult times. He said the PPP has always advocated for public rights, democratic values and political stability, and will continue to play an effective role in addressing the province's challenges.

Local hosts, including Malik Jehan Akbar, thanked the governor for his visit and termed it encouraging for party workers.