Governor Kundi Demands Fiscal Accountability
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has issued a sharp rebuke of the provincial administration, demanding a unified political strategy to secure a share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Speaking in Charsadda, Kundi asserted that while the federal government was ready to extend all possible support to address the province’s challenges, the provincial government had failed to present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s case effectively before the federal authorities.
The Governor alleged that the provincial government had failed to demonstrate seriousness in addressing matters related to wheat and the CNG sector. He also criticised the provincial administration for not taking effective measures to increase the salaries of police personnel.
Security as a Prerequisite for Growth
Beyond the ledger, Kundi identified the restoration of peace and stability, particularly in the southern districts of the province, as a top priority. He argued that sustainable economic development was not possible without improved law and order. Alongside these security concerns, he pressed for reforms in health, education and other public service sectors to improve facilities for citizens.
The Governor also took aim at the conduct of Ali Amin Gandapur. He singled out the presence of a bodyguard on the assembly floor as an unconstitutional act, describing it as a contradiction in the provincial leadership’s public stance.
Fatal Violence Grips Charsadda
Kundi’s visit coincided with local violence, as police reported two separate lethal incidents in the Charsadda area. In the Mitho Kallay area, Noorul Wahab, a former PTI union council nazim and property dealer, was killed during an exchange of fire linked to a property dispute.
According to police, the incident occurred while Wahab was traveling with his brother, Abdullah. They were intercepted by a group of five men. The aftermath has seen dueling legal claims: Abdullah filed a formal complaint naming the attackers, while one of the accused, Umarzada, filed a cross-version complaint alleging that Wahab and Abdullah had arrived at the scene when armed men opened fire on them.
Robbery Turns Deadly in Tarnab
In a separate incident within the limits of the Tarnab police station, two brothers, Sajjad Khan and Shayan, were traveling in a rickshaw when they were intercepted by three unidentified armed men.
When the victims resisted the robbery, the assailants opened indiscriminate fire. Sajjad Khan was killed, and his brother, Shayan, was injured. The suspects escaped the scene with cash and mobile phones.
Core Policy Stances
- NFC Award: Kundi maintains the provincial government has failed to present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s case effectively before the federal authorities and had not secured significant gains for the province.
- Constitutional Integrity: The Governor insists a strong federation is essential for a strong Pakistan and has stated negotiations could not be held with elements that do not accept the Constitution and the rule of law.
- Public Safety: Recent lethal incidents, including a property dispute and a violent robbery, have occurred as the Governor stated sustainable economic development was not possible without improved law and order.