PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday inspected the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the Garhi Qamardin area on the outskirts of the provincial capital and vowed to eliminate encroachments across the province.

The governor stated that there is a zero-tolerance policy against encroachers regardless of their influence, according to a statement issued from his office.

Officials from the district administration and the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) briefed the governor on the ongoing operation against encroachments.

Mr Kundi appreciated the efforts of the district administration and relevant departments for launching an effective campaign to reclaim public land.

He said that the operation would not remain confined to the provincial capital alone but would be extended across the province. He warned that if encroachments reappeared after being removed, the relevant authorities would be held responsible.

The governor urged people occupying public spaces illegally to remove their encroachments voluntarily, or face strict legal action.

He said that no individual, irrespective of political influence or social status, would receive any concession, adding that the era of protecting encroachments through political connections had come to an end.

The governor criticised the now dysfunctional PTI provincial government, alleging that anti-encroachment operations were neglected during its tenure, adding that a cleanliness campaign had also been launched across the provincial capital, while measures were being taken to improve traffic management by strengthening traffic regulations to facilitate commuters.

Speaking on the wheat issue, Mr Kundi said an inquiry had already been ordered, and its report would be completed within a week before being made public.

He said the issue of electricity and gas loadshedding would be taken up with the federal government and a durable solution would be pursued through close coordination between the federation and the province.

The governor said that the provincial and federal governments were now working jointly to resolve public issues, unlike in the past when such matters were politicised.

He also stressed the need to eliminate electricity theft, saying public cooperation was essential to end the “kunda culture”, improve the power distribution system and help reduce loadshedding across the province.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2026