DERA ISMAIL KHAN : Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urged the provincial government to take tangible measures to improve the law and order situation in the province.

“Security forces are playing an effective role and rendering sacrifices for the sake of peace. Similarly, the state is fulfilling its responsibilities for the purpose. After the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the chief minister, as the chief executive of the province, to ensure protection of public life and property,” the governor told reporters at his residence here on the Eid day.

He said that the recent national security conference discussed the law and order issue but some political parties boycotted the session.

“These parties want concessions from the government to serve their political ends,” he insisted.

Exchanges Eid greetings with visitors at his Dera residence

Mr Kundi wondered why similar demands were not made when other political leaders were imprisoned in the past.

He said that those facing corruption charges must defend themselves in the courts of law.

The governor said that there won’t be any NRO (amnesty) from the government for such people.

He also voiced concern about the delicate security situation in Afghanistan and said warned it posed a significant challenge for Pakistan.

Mr Kundi said that most terrorist attacks in Pakistan were carried out by the groups based in Afghanistan.

He said that while Pakistan had always supported Afghan people, it was time to bring refugees into the ambit of law.

The governor highlighted the issues of water shortage in Sindh and distribution of resources under the National Finance Commission Award and urged the federal government to ensure their early yet effective resolution.

He also complained about a “lack of visible development projects” in his hometown Dera Ismail Khan and said that if there was any real progress, it would be evident to the residents.

Mr Kundi said that with the complete support of the federal government, development work would continue in the region.

He said that work on the Dera Chashma Lift Canal would begin before the next fiscal.

The governor also said that work on Dera Ismail Khan’s new international airport and other federal development projects would not be delayed.

He met with Pakistan Peoples Party leaders and workers and local dignitaries at his residence and exchanged Eid greetings.

The governor celebrated the third day of Eid with visitors at his residence on Wednesday. The visitors included political and social activists, government officials and people from other walks of life, who were served sweets by the governor. Local MPA Ahmad Karim Kundi was also present.

Mr Kundi said as always, he remained among the residents on all three Eid days. He said he was grateful to the visitors for showing their love for him.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2025