Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed disappointment over a speech by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, urging him to support efforts to restore peace, promote development and strengthen the provincial economy. Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Kundi criticised the provincial government’s performance against terrorism, describing its efforts as zero. He said maintaining law and order remained a priority and insisted there would be no compromise on security. The governor also urged Fazlur Rehman to identify the mineral resources available in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Tank. He argued that developing the province’s natural wealth could create employment opportunities and improve living standards. Kundi invited leading international companies to invest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and establish joint ventures to explore and extract its mineral resources. He said investment in the sector could help accelerate economic growth and support development across the province. He argued that improving economic conditions and creating opportunities for residents would reduce the appeal of political opposition. Kundi also recalled Fazlur Rehman’s previous remarks that security concerns had prevented him from visiting Dera Ismail Khan. The governor called on the JUI-F chief to work with the government to improve security and promote development, saying residents wanted stability and economic progress. Kundi reiterated that law and order was the government’s top priority. He also announced plans for a structural audit across the province and said authorities intended to develop 10 to 12 districts as model districts. He declared that the period associated with those he blamed for damaging Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had ended, signalling a renewed focus on governance, public services and security. Counterterrorism and provincial government relations Kundi said the main purpose of talks with the provincial government had been to develop a joint strategy against terrorism. However, he alleged that the provincial administration had declined to participate in collective efforts. He contrasted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s situation with Balochistan, saying the provincial government there was working alongside the federal government to combat terrorism. The governor also alleged that instructions to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government might be coming from Kabul. Referring to the previous administration, he claimed that decisions had once come from Jalalabad, Afghanistan, while insisting that decisions affecting the current government should be made within Pakistan. Kundi added that the provincial government would continue to function without Fazlur Rehman’s support. Federal-provincial relations The governor said the gap between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had narrowed, allowing Islamabad and the provinces to move forward together. He acknowledged that relations had previously been marked by a significant divide but said the situation had improved. Kundi also reiterated his support for democracy while questioning criticism of a possible imposition of Governor’s Rule. He asked whether supporting the Legal Framework Order (LFO) had been appropriate if Governor’s Rule was considered unacceptable. Murad Saeed’s whereabouts Kundi claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed was across the border. He described Saeed as a “parrot” of PTI founder Imran Khan and suggested that Khan would be distressed if the party leader were arrested. The governor also said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had provided 10 armoured vehicles to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police to strengthen their operational capabilities. He added that authorities had requested a plan from the provincial inspector general of police and other relevant officials but did not disclose further details. Kundi said improving security, strengthening governance and developing model districts would remain central to the province’s priorities. Post navigation Pakistan Foreign Office Islamabad warns India against mistaking restraint for weakness
