Summary KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi vowed to eliminate terrorism, support security forces and equip police with modern weapons, urging citizens to reject terrorists.
CHARSADDA (Dunya News) - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has vowed to rid the province of terrorism, saying the sacrifices of martyrs would not go in vain and decisive action against terrorists was the only way forward.
Kundi visited the residences of martyred DSP Imranuddin and Constable Kazim Jan in Charsadda, where he offered condolences to their families and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and the forgiveness of their souls.
Speaking to the media, the governor said the army, police and other security forces had made immense sacrifices for the country’s survival and security. He said the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces and would never forget their sacrifices.
He said a historic meeting of the National Apex Committee had been held the previous day, adding that the prime minister had made it clear that a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against terrorism. Kundi reiterated that the province must be freed from terrorism and the sacrifices of martyrs must be honoured.
The governor said weapons left behind after the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan had fallen into the hands of terrorists. He noted that the border with Afghanistan was very long, leaving gaps in border surveillance, and added that terrorists possessed advanced weapons that were not even available to Pakistan.
Kundi said the field marshal had made it clear that people must distance themselves from terrorists. Warning that civilian casualties could occur during counterterrorism operations, he urged citizens not to provide shelter to militants and to keep their distance from them.
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He said the provincial government would cut its development funds to provide modern weapons to the police. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also assured him that the necessary weapons and funding would be provided to the police, he added.
The governor claimed that the province had received Rs800 billion for the war against terrorism, but the funds had not been utilised.
He said there was no alternative to effective operations against terrorists and bringing them under control. In the past, he added, the provincial government had even avoided making statements on terrorists and Afghanistan.
Kundi said there should be no negotiations or concessions for anyone acting against Pakistan or refusing to accept the Constitution.
Speaking about mineral resources, he said the province had substantial mineral wealth but lacked the resources needed to develop it. Pakistani companies would be given priority for mineral exploration and extraction, while foreign companies would be invited to invest if local firms lacked the required capacity.
He said the first right over mineral resources belonged to the people, followed by the province, and then any third party. Once peace was established, the government wanted to develop the mineral and tourism sectors, he added.
Responding to a question about Sohail Afridi, Kundi said Afridi was in safe hands, adding that nobody knew what the future held.
