K-P govt must cooperate to avoid governor’s rule, says Kundi

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the imposition of governor’s rule depends on the performance of the provincial government, adding that if the provincial administration cooperates effectively with federal and state institutions, there would be no need for such a step.

Speaking to the media, the governor said, if the provincial government supports federal and state institutions in a proper manner, the federal government would have no justification to impose governor’s rule.

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Kundi categorically rejected the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the state. “We will not hold dialogue eevn for a minute with those who stand against the state, who do not accept Pakistan’s Constitution and laws, and who are responsible for the martyrdom of our children and security personnel,” he said.

Referring to attacks on security installations, he said, such elements were involved in assaults on cadet colleges, FC headquarters, police training schools, military convoys, and police personnel.

The governor stressed that the provincial government must work in coordination with state institutions to maintain law and order and engage with the federal government on pending issues, including royalty payments owed to the province.

He added that peace and stability were essential for prosperity and development. “If discussions are held on these matters, why would governor’s rule be imposed?” he questioned.

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However, he warned against allowing Afghan refugees to remain without regulation. “If it is decided that Afghan refugees will not be sent back, and they continue to stay while conditions deteriorate, suicide blasts occur, and our people are martyred — and yet talks are held with them and offices are provided — then the situation can worsen,” he said.

The governor questioned, “Have you ever heard of any country where a Pakistani citizen can live without a visa? Such individuals are either deported or jailed.”

Kundi said that millions of Afghans who had lived in Pakistan for 40 years should return to their homeland and re-enter legally. “It is not acceptable to roam freely in Pakistan without a visa,” adding that Pakistan would adhere to international treaties, which allow residence in a country only with a valid visa.

Commenting on 14 years sentence to former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, the governor termed it 'a good step'. “Every institution has good and bad people,” he said, adding that accountability must apply to all. “Whether they are politicians, judges, or members of the armed forces, until there is a proper system of accountability and punishment, things cannot improve.”

Responding to a question about negotiations with PTI, he said, “It is a good thing that PTI has now remembered that dialogue should also take place.” He recalled that when PTI had earlier been asked to engage in talks or agree on a Charter of Democracy or a Charter of Economy, they had refused. “They used to say they did not want to shake hands with us and considered sitting together an insult,” he said.

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He further said that there had been no formal contact between the Pakistan Peoples Party and PTI so far. “If contact is established, the party leadership will decide what needs to be done,” he said.

However, Kundi expressed reservations about PTI’s approach. “I believe they have laid the wrong foundation,” he said. “If talks are based on a minus PML-N formula… how can meaningful dialogue take place?” he concluded.