LOWER DIR: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday said the challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could not be resolved through protests outside the Adiala Jail or political mudslinging, stressing that practical measures were needed to address public issues.

He warned that imposition of taxes in the erstwhile tribal regions of Pata and Fata would not be accepted “under any circumstances”, adding that a strong response strategy would be devised by his party if any attempt was made to enforce such taxes forcibly.

The governor was addressing a workers’ convention organised by Pakistan Peoples Party, Lower Dir chapter, and the Peoples Students Federation (PSF) in Timergara.

A large number of party workers, youth activists and local leaders from across Lower Dir attended the event.

Mr Kundi said the Pakistan Peoples Party believed in empowering young people and would ensure their effective representation in the upcoming local government elections.

“Youth are the country’s greatest asset, and providing them leadership opportunities is the need of the hour,” he said.

Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, the governor said funerals were being held daily while security personnel continued to sacrifice their lives, yet the provincial government was still advocating negotiations with militants.

“We cannot hold talks with elements that do not recognise Pakistan’s Constitution and the state,” he remarked.

Launching a sharp criticism of the provincial government, Mr Kundi said it was unaware of its constitutional powers and responsibilities and had failed to secure the annual Rs800 billion package linked to the merger of the former tribal districts, besides failing to obtain wheat supplies from Punjab.

He claimed that, as a result, the people of the province were being deprived of development schemes and basic public facilities.

The governor also accused the timber mafia of accelerating deforestation in the province, saying the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government was no longer in a position to even speak about its much-publicised “Billion Tree Tsunami” project.

He said protection of forests was an urgent need, but alleged that the provincial government was not serious about the issue.

Mr Kundi said the restoration of wheat quota supplies from Punjab and the reopening of closed CNG stations had become possible due to his personal efforts, while the provincial government had failed to resolve those matters.

Referring to internal rifts within PTI, he claimed that “traitors” existed within the party itself. He said Sher Afzal Marwat had filed a constitutional petition seeking the restoration of former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, but the provincial government itself opposed the move.

The governor said he still stood by his earlier stance regarding Mr Gandapur. He also claimed that talks between Iran and the United States would soon be held in Islamabad, describing the development as a potentially significant step towards regional peace.

Other speakers at the convention described PPP as a party representing the youth and pledged to further strengthen organisational activities across the district.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026