KP governor calls for peace, legal process after Imran Khan verdict

Faisal Karim Kundi says convictions were decided by courts and cannot be reversed through protests

Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said the recent Toshakhana-II conviction was not an act of political victimisation and urged political leaders to pursue legal remedies rather than street protests.

Speaking to reporters after addressing a convocation at Allama Iqbal Open University, Kundi said former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were not being targeted for political revenge. He said their conviction stemmed from what he described as the misuse of state gifts, adding that the matter had been decided by the courts.

Kundi said the release of the convicted individuals could not be secured through protests or political gatherings, adding that anyone who believed the verdict was unjust should seek relief through the courts and follow the legal process.

He said the province could not afford further political confrontation and urged the provincial government to prioritise peace, law and order, as well as sectors such as education and healthcare.

Responding to claims of political victimisation, the governor questioned Bushra Bibi’s role during her presence in Peshawar and Islamabad, asking who was responsible for transfers and postings at the time.

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He reiterated that Pakistan has functioning legal institutions and that grievances should be taken to the appropriate judicial forums rather than addressed through political agitation.

Referring to the recent attack in Waziristan on December 20, Kundi said political leadership should focus on security challenges instead of engaging in unnecessary political disputes.

He said the provincial government must fully support operations against militant elements and urged the chief minister to initiate peace efforts beginning from Tirah Valley.

Kundi said intelligence-based operations would be conducted wherever militants were present in the province and stressed that the chief minister should extend full support to such efforts to ensure lasting peace.

“The province cannot be left at the mercy of terrorists,” he said.