Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Monday said that the province is currently facing serious challenges, including terrorism, governance vacuum, and economic downturn.
He also pointed out that corruption and the lack of political ownership are major contributors to the province’s ongoing issues. The transparent use of funds is essential to improve the standard of governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he stressed.
He expressed these views while addressing the opening session of a seminar titled “Security and Governance Challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).
In his address, Governor Kundi said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has long been affected by terrorism. Although the security forces have made tremendous sacrifices to restore peace, the threats have not been entirely eliminated.
He highlighted that even after the merger of FATA, the newly merged districts continue to face governance gaps, cross-border criminal activities, corruption, and political marginalization.
He emphasized the urgent need for effective management in border areas, inter-institutional coordination, and sustainable policy-making to root out terrorism and crime.
The Governor expressed deep concern over the mismanagement of public funds, saying that over the past decade, developmental funds in the province were misused and that legislation failed to yield tangible results.
Governor Kundi called for strengthening Public Accounts Committees, holding open hearings on audit reports, and establishing a stronger system of governmental accountability.
He remarked, “Until financial discipline and transparency are ensured, the dream of good governance cannot be realized.”
He concluded with optimism, saying that through unity, determination, and a joint strategy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can become a peaceful, prosperous, and developed province.
Earlier, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the law and order situation in K-P is not encouraging, with army and police busy in intelligence-based operations.
He said security agencies are making huge sacrifices.
He expressed these views while talking to the media at his residence, Kundi Model Farm, on Eidul Fitr.
Kundi said the state is fulfilling its responsibilities and the issue of law and order in K-P was also discussed in a recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
“Unfortunately, some political parties boycotted this meeting. Which shows that they only want to get concessions from the government for their political purposes,” he said.
He said that some elements wanted Imran Khan to be brought back to the National Assembly, but did anyone demand this in the past when other leaders were in jail?
These are the same parties that have supported such policies in the past while in power, but today, when they themselves are in trouble, they are demanding an NRO.
When the 26th Amendment was tabled, they also betrayed their allies and boycotted the meeting.
The governor said that it is important to keep politics and accountability separate. If someone is accused of corruption or illegal actions, they will have to face the court of law.
The government cannot give NRO to anyone. If someone considers himself innocent, he will have to wait for the court’s decision.
