K-P governor urges austerity amid regional tensions

KARACHI:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday urged the nation to adopt austerity measures, warning that prevailing regional tensions necessitate strict economic discipline.

Talking to media in Karachi after attending the funeral of Senator Sherry Rehman's daughter, he said the country is surrounded by conflict and must keep its economic situation under control. "We have protected ourselves through a well-thought-out strategy," he added.

The governor said that with Eid holidays now over, it remains to be seen to what extent the federal and provincial governments implement austerity policies. He stressed that expenditures on security and protocol should be clearly separated.

Responding to a question regarding a temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan, Kundi said the step was taken at the request of brotherly countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia.