PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said the province's policy will come from Islamabad, not Kabul, Kandahar or Jalalabad, as he outlined the federal government's priorities following the imposition of governor's rule.
Addressing his first press conference after governor's rule, Kundi said it would take time to address problems that had developed in the province over the past 13 years. However, he expressed hope that the results of government measures would begin to become visible within three months.
He said it was his first working day and that the federal government had placed its trust in him. The governor added that imposing an emergency or governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a last resort.
Kundi said law and order would not be compromised and anyone taking the law into their own hands would face the consequences. He added that no one would be allowed to engage in lawlessness in the province.
The governor said all possible assistance would be provided to improve the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), while efforts would be made to meet the requirements of security institutions.
Reiterating his position on provincial policy, Kundi said decisions would be made in Islamabad rather than in neighbouring Afghan cities. He said he did not want a provincial government whose policies, in his view, originated from external centres.
He said his objectives were peace, stability and prosperity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that better coordination between the federal and provincial governments would be ensured.
Criticising the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, Kundi alleged that it had failed to cooperate with the federal government and had not adopted an effective position against terrorism. Mocking his political opponents' protest claims, he said those promising a revolution had failed to reach the Governor House.
The governor said providing resources to the police was his first priority. He added that the federal interior minister had provided 10 vehicles and pledged support for the children and families of security personnel who had been killed in the line of duty.
Kundi said intelligence-based operations would be conducted in 12 districts of the province. He stressed the need to meet security agencies' requirements and make counterterrorism measures more effective.
Asked about Sohail Afridi, Kundi said the federal interior minister had stated that Afridi was in protective custody and was in safe hands.
He said he was not a judge who could decide who should be arrested or released. Those facing cases would have to undergo legal proceedings, while those against whom no cases existed would be released, he added.
Kundi said his actions would answer his critics and that the rule of law would be ensured across the province.
On the province's financial rights, the governor said the federal government was required to provide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with its due share of funds. He said he would raise the matter with the federal government through reasoned arguments.
He added that the president and prime minister would visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa soon and play a role in resolving the province's problems. The government, he said, would focus on practical measures to advance development and prosperity.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by traders because of the border situation, Kundi said efforts would be made to resolve their problems soon and improve business activity. The governor also criticised the recent political protests in the province, claiming that the public had rejected them. In a sarcastic remark, he said the protesters' container was still standing, but no one had come forward to remove it.
He said arrangements had been made to host visitors at the Governor House, but no one had yet climbed over its walls.
Concluding his address, Kundi said that light follows darkness and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was now moving towards a brighter future.