PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday criticised the provincial government for ‘ignoring’ governance, terrorism and public issues and asked the chief minister to resign if the provincial government couldn’t protect its own ministers.

He called upon the chief minister to tender his resignation if the government could not protect the rights and resources of the people, according to an official statement issued by his office.

“The governor’s rule will be imposed whenever the president and prime minister deem appropriate,” he said.

The governor asked the provincial government to study the Constitution to understand the responsibilities and authority of the governor’s office.

Criticises provincial govt for ‘ignoring’ governance, terrorism and public issues; says governor’s rule to be imposed whenever president, PM deem appropriate

Addressing a news conference here, he said that he would continue calling the chief secretary and inspector general of police whenever required to discuss provincial issues.

Mr Kundi said terrorism was the biggest challenge being faced by the province and the government should focus on improving law and order, eliminating terrorism and resolving problems of the people instead of holding political shows.

He thanked the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for turning the PTI’s protest march into a “circus” and said that party leaders returned to their homes while leaving workers on the roads.

The governor questioned the provincial government’s performance regarding the implementation of the National Action Plan and asked what practical steps had been taken to eliminate terrorism from the province.

Mr Kundi said terrorists were targeting innocent people, police, armed forces and other security personnel, adding that the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies could not be ignored.

He stressed that a clear and firm stance against terrorism was necessary.

He said the government supported dialogue, but terrorism was a red line and no compromise could be made on it, adding that preventing military operations against terrorists was an anti-state narrative and serious measures were required to eliminate the menace.

Talking about the police force, the governor said around 17,000 posts in the KP police were vacant and urged the provincial government to take immediate steps to fill them and enhance police strength.

He said the counter-terrorism department’s capacity needed to be enhanced, adding that the police required Rs42 billion while only Rs1.2 billion had been provided.

Mr Kundi also expressed concern over the lack of progress on the construction of police lines and stations in the merged districts and the absence of Safe City projects in sensitive areas.

He said he had raised the issues of police salaries and welfare and urged the provincial government to provide the necessary resources to the police for effectively combating terrorism.

Regarding the march, the governor urged participants to follow the law and cooperate with relevant institutions, adding that effective measures should be taken to prevent the illegal movement of weapons and narcotics, so that no one could be allowed to violate the law in the name of political activities.

Mr Kundi warned that any attempt to repeat incidents like May 9 would be dealt with according to the law.

He said that after the martyrdom of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the PPP raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ instead of launching protests as national security and unity were above political interests.

The governor said the provincial government had sought his cooperation during the CNG and flour crises and that he had always played his role in resolving the province’s issues with the federal government.

He urged the government to address protests by doctors, teachers and TMA employees through negotiations and provide relief to people facing rising flour prices, terrorism and other problems.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026