Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has issued a scathing critique of the provincial government, accusing it of repeatedly leveraging state resources to challenge the federal government. He described the situation in the province as “extremely unpleasant,” citing a recent visit to Kohat where he met with tribal elders. However, the PTI said it would not attend the meeting.

The Governor highlighted the lack of discussion regarding law and order within the provincial cabinet, stating that even parties unwilling to engage with the Chief Minister are supporting his efforts. He noted that while he visited Kohat, the Chief Minister did not accompany him. He emphasized that convening an all-party conference (APC) is not a constitutional issue and can be called by anyone.

Governor Kundi further alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is providing refuge to its senior leaders within the Chief Minister’s House. He confirmed invitations were extended to former Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and former Governor Engineer Shaukatullah to participate in the upcoming APC.

He stated that sixteen parties have confirmed their participation in the APC, including parliamentary leaders. The goal, he said, is to discuss provincial issues and bring them to the attention of both the provincial and federal governments. He asserted that no one can usurp provincial government powers.

The Governor insisted the Chief Minister should attend the APC and that they will address issues with the federal government directly. He plans to form a committee within the APC to meet with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, President, and army commander.

Governor Kundi also commented on internal divisions within the PTI, suggesting a split between “good” and “bad” elements. He expressed concern about the impact of protests on the public and urged the PTI to resolve issues through dialogue.

He clarified that the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has not been invited due to existing restrictions, but an invitation would be extended if they formally register as a political party. He confirmed invitations have been sent to all parties regarding the situation in Kurram.

He also highlighted the significant decrease in his authority compared to his predecessor, Hayat Sherpao, citing a lack of control even over basic security measures like checking identity cards and the proliferation of weapons outside of police control.

PTI to boycott conderence

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced it will boycott the all-party conference (APC) called by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for December 5th at the Governor’s House.

In a statement, PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram cited the Governor’s alleged complicity in the killing of civilians and his support for the perpetrators as the reason for the boycott.

Akram accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of actively supporting the government’s agenda to ban the PTI, highlighting their role in passing a resolution in the Balochistan Assembly to this effect. He further alleged that the PPP is engaged in the illegal detention and harassment of PTI workers, particularly in Sindh, while simultaneously attempting to project an image of supporting democracy through a show of convening conferences.

The PTI leader asserted that the PPP has no mandate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that the PTI is the true representative of the province’s people, fulfilling its responsibilities effectively.