PESHAWAR: Declaring the security situation in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa “worrisome,” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday claimed that the weapons left behind by the US troops during their withdrawal from Afghanistan were used by terrorists to disturb peace in the province.

He was addressing a lawyers’ gathering during a visit to the Peshawar High Court premises at the invitation of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association.

Bar president Fida Gul and general secretary Alam Khan Adezai, and other lawyers welcomed him. Pakistan Peoples Party provincial president Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha was also present on the occasion.

Mr Kundi told lawyers that a member of the legal community was recently kidnapped in Dera Ismail Khan in broad daylight but “nobody” in the government was concerned aboutthe “worsening” law and order situation of the province. He acknowledged the legal community’s efforts in upholding the rule of law and the Constitution throughout history.

The governor also emphasised the critical role of legal professionals in a democratic society, saying that the swift delivery of justice was a fundamental right of every citizen. He praised the PHCBA for its role in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting judicial independence.

Mr Kundi said that many members of his own family were from the legal profession and recognised the significant contribution of lawyers in shaping the country’s leadership. He lauded the legal fraternity for their role in ensuring social justice.

The governor also called for unity despite political differences to safeguard the province’s rights.

Discussing the province’s economic potential, he pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the largest producer of low-cost electricity in the country and contributed significantly to oil production, generating 50,000 barrels per day out of the country’s 90,000 barrels. However, he lamented the province’s electricity shortages despite its contribution to the national grid.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025