PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has declared the restoration of peace and security the top priority following the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures in the province, pledging to provide additional resources to the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
Addressing his first press conference alongside Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Samar Bilour, Kundi said the federal government had decided to impose governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kundi claimed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rejected the long march, adding that a protest container was still lying at the site with no one coming forward to collect it. He said the second day had also remained peaceful, with no protests reported and the Governor House secure. He further assured that the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) would be provided with whatever resources they needed to maintain law and order and combat terrorism.
He said he had held a security meeting the previous day and convened an Apex Committee meeting to discuss the province’s law and order situation.
“The first priority will be the establishment of peace and order,” the governor said, adding that the authorities would focus on strengthening the police and CTD by providing them with the resources they need.
Police Salaries and Martyrs’ Package to Be Reviewed
Kundi said he had directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the chief secretary to increase police salaries and enhance the compensation package for police personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
He stressed that the police and CTD would receive institutional support, adding that the government recognised their role in combating terrorism and maintaining peace.
The governor also revealed that the federal interior minister had provided 10 armoured personnel carrier (APC) vehicles to the provincial police to strengthen their operational capacity.
‘Policy Will Come from Islamabad, Not Kabul or Jalalabad’
Speaking about the province’s relationship with the federal government, Kundi said the period of tensions between Islamabad and the provincial administration was over.
“Our policy will come from Islamabad, not Kabul or Jalalabad,” he said, emphasising the federal government’s role in determining policy.
He also remarked that darkness had ended and stressed that wars were fought not only by armed forces but by entire nations.
Governor Comments on Political Situation
Kundi referred to the political developments that preceded the imposition of governor’s rule, saying he had rejected what he described as a political spectacle during the initial days of the situation.
He also referred to a container that, according to him, remained unattended, and said he was still waiting after claims had been made about an advance or confrontation.
The governor described the current phase as the beginning of a new journey, saying a 13-year period of political rule had come to an end.
He reiterated that maintaining peace, strengthening law enforcement agencies and improving coordination between the federal and provincial authorities would remain central to the administration’s priorities.
The press conference comes amid significant political and administrative changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the federal government’s decision regarding governor’s rule and emergency measures in the province.
