LAHORE (APP) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed disappointment over the closure of 12 colleges in the province due to security threats, criticising the provincial government for focusing on political rallies rather than law and order.
Kundi also voiced concerns over administrative and security challenges affecting KP’s educational institutions.
Referencing the ongoing political landscape in the province, the governor said, “I alone am enough for PTI”.
Faisal Karim Kundi emphasised the need for a civil-military agreement in Pakistan to ensure national progress.
Addressing a session at Kinnaird College for Women University on Saturday, the governor outlined his priorities, highlighting women’s empowerment, youth engagement and promoting a positive image of KP as essential to the province’s development.
He urged a shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy to safeguard against becoming a target for external agendas, emphasising, “We cannot change our neighbours.”
He underscored the importance of providing women in KP with enhanced employment opportunities, especially for those who face challenges despite holding advanced degrees.
He noted plans to offer women IT resources and partnerships with institutions to create sustainable job options.
In his address, he directed universities to implement at least 3 percent female representation in their senate and syndicate committees and praised Kinnaird College as a model, expressing his desire to establish a similar institution in KP.
He highlighted the absence of permanent vice-chancellors at many universities and announced scholarship initiatives for students from Fata, Hafiz-e-Quran, transgender individuals, minorities and people with disabilities.
Referring to the Army Public School attack, he spoke on KP’s struggle with terrorism and the closures of several schools in the southern districts due to instability.
Regarding the banned organisation Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), he called for collaboration within constitutional limits and discouraged divisive rhetoric.
He expressed his commitment to boosting tourism and announced the start of cultural seminars at the Governor House, Peshawar including recent events celebrating Allama Iqbal and Khushal Khan Khattak.
Highlighting resource allocation issues, Governor Kundi criticised KP’s inadequate access to its own gas and electricity resources, despite being the largest producer, and cited high electricity costs and frequent load-shedding as ongoing burdens.