PESHAWAR: Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday said that promotion of peace, religious harmony and national unity was essential for the country’s stability and socio-economic development.

Addressing the national message of Peace ulema and mashaikh conference held here, the governor said Pakistan required collective efforts to eradicate terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the society.

In a statement issued from his office, the governor said the country’s leadership and armed forces were making all-out efforts for national security, sovereignty and dignity.

“We are proud of our brave armed forces, which have safeguarded the country’s honour and gave a befitting response to every threat,” he said.

Mr Kundi said that Pakistan played a constructibve diplomatic role during regional tensions and appreciated the efforts of national leadership for promoting peace and stability.

He said that the doors of Governor House would always remain open for the national message of peace committee, adding that establishing lasting peace was shared responsibility of all segments of society.

Mr Kundi underscored the crucial role of religious scholars in guiding the youth and countering extremist narratives. While the state could dismantle terrorist networks, he said, eliminating extremist ideology required the active involvement of religious scholars, mosques and religious institutions.

He also stressed the need for promoting interfaith and inter-sect harmony, saying that Pakistan’s diversity was its strength. He also paid tributes to the contributions of the country’s minority communities.

Referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor said that the province was endowed with abundant natural resources and sustainable peace was indispensable for development and prosperity. He said lasting peace in the province would create new opportunities for investment and economic growth.

He said that Pakistan had always welcomed and supported Afghan people, but the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against Pakistan was unacceptable.

The governor said peace and stability in KP and Balochistan were vital to unlocking the regions’ economic potential and natural resources. He called on all political forces to rise above their differences and work together for peace, progress and prosperity.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026