ABBOTTABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of contributing to unrest in the province and challenging its leadership to proceed with its planned long march.
Speaking in Abbottabad, Kundi said, “I challenge PTI to hold its long march and cross Swabi.” He questioned the party’s political strategy, saying negotiations are conducted by political forces and noting that PTI leaders had previously said they would not engage with those associated with Form 47.
The governor claimed that PTI representatives had nevertheless been the first to arrive for negotiations when talks became possible.
Kundi also said that the Constitution provides for the imposition of Governor’s Rule and an emergency, describing both as constitutional measures. He said the relevant authorities were prepared for such steps if required.
Commenting on the security situation, the governor said statements were being issued from Afghanistan, but alleged that the provincial government had yet to present a clear position on the matter.
He also criticised statements attributed to PTI leaders, including Junaid Akbar and the chief minister, saying they were contributing to political unrest.
“There will be neither leniency nor a deal with PTI,” Kundi said.
The governor also highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s role in addressing militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the party had carried out an operation in Swat that, according to him, helped restore peace in the province.
Kundi said the people of the province had witnessed the situation over the past 13 years and could assess the developments themselves.
On the issue of creating new provinces, the governor said new provinces had been created in different parts of the world and argued that new provinces should be established if members of parliament support the proposal.
He expressed concern over calls for a referendum while bypassing parliament, saying such proposals could create doubts.
Turning to provincial rights, Kundi said he supported the existing provincial government on issues concerning the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He also called on the federal government to abolish the petroleum levy, saying the authorities should reduce their own expenditures and provide relief to the public.
Kundi’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with PTI preparing for political mobilisation and negotiations between opposition and government representatives also taking place.
