Kundi urges K-P to shun Afghanistan's defence

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday strongly criticized the provincial government for what he described as a lack of seriousness in tackling terrorism, urging it to focus on ensuring sustainable peace in the province instead of "defending Afghanistan and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)."

Addressing a press conference at the Governor House, the governor said the chief minister was repeatedly asking for evidence of terrorism originating from Afghanistan, whereas he should seek a detailed briefing from the inspector general of police. "If Afghanistan is not involved in terrorism, then who is?" he questioned, adding that the international community had already acknowledged that Afghan soil was being used for terrorist activities in Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Kundi said incidents of terrorism had sharply increased in both settled and merged districts of the province, while police and armed forces were making immense sacrifices in ongoing operations against militants. He stressed that the provincial government must seriously reflect on the deteriorating law and order situation and take concrete steps to curb militancy.

Referring to displacement, the governor said that after Kurram, people were now being forced to migrate from Khyber district due to insecurity. He urged the provincial authorities to start preparations immediately for internally displaced persons (IDPs) so that any humanitarian crisis could be managed effectively.

The governor also called on the federal government not to neglect K-P simply because it was governed by the opposition. He said he would request the prime minister to visit the province and launch major initiatives, including laptop distribution schemes and the establishment of Danish schools, to help build public confidence in the federal government.

Kundi further urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to construct international-standard cricket stadiums in Peshawar and other districts of the province.