Kundi says counterterrorism top priority, promises police reforms

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said counterterrorism would be the provincial administration’s top priority following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule, pledging to strengthen police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), improve public services and address longstanding provincial issues in coordination with the federal government.

Addressing a news conference in Peshawar after the first meeting of the provincial Apex Committee under the new arrangement, Kundi said the federal government had placed its trust in the administration and that no compromise would be made on providing modern weapons and equipment to law enforcement agencies.

He said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had handed over 10 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the police, adding that further support would be provided to improve the operational capacity of the police and CTD.

Police personnel were at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and had made sacrifices to protect the public, he said, pledging measures to improve their welfare and working conditions.

The provincial Apex Committee, co-chaired by Kundi and Naqvi, called for coordinated action against terrorism, improved police capacity and intelligence-based operations. It also stressed the need to address public grievances and improve access to basic services in underdeveloped and terrorism-affected areas.

Kundi claims public rejected PTI govt

Kundi claimed the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rejected the PTI provincial government and its political confrontation with the Centre, saying residents wanted peace, development and prosperity.

He described the 10-day political mobilisation as a “circus” that had now ended, claiming people across the province had celebrated a “day of deliverance”.

The governor said he had expected protesters to surround the Governor House but that the container used for the long march had been left unattended. He joked that he was waiting for someone to collect it, warning that the local municipal administration might otherwise take it away.

The remarks came amid heightened tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had led the provincial administration before emergency and governor’s rule were imposed on Sunday.

Kundi also criticised the province’s governance over the past 13 years, a period during which PTI and its predecessor administrations held power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for much of the time.

He said the new administration would seek to demonstrate tangible improvements through its performance rather than political statements.

He added that provincial policies would now be formulated in coordination with Islamabad rather than, as he put it, “Jalalabad or Kandahar”, referring to Afghanistan.

Pledges support for families of police martyrs

Kundi said that the administration would stand alongside the families of personnel killed in the line of duty and would not leave them without support.

He pledged to pursue free education for the children of martyred personnel and an increase in compensation under the existing martyrs’ package. He also said police salaries and welfare arrangements would be reviewed.

The governor said restoring peace was essential for economic recovery, arguing that improved security would encourage businesses and investors to come to the province.

He pledged to focus on development, healthcare, education, access to justice and infrastructure, while introducing measures to empower women and young people.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had substantial natural and economic resources, he said, adding that sustained peace would help the province realise its potential.

Says federal-provincial coordination will improve

The governor said the administration would present the province’s financial needs, resource requirements and development priorities to the federal government with supporting arguments.

He said coordination between the Centre and the province would be strengthened and that the federal government would be approached for assistance wherever required.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi said, adding that the province’s problems would be raised with him.

The administration aimed to address problems accumulated over the previous 13 years and would seek to demonstrate progress through practical measures within three months, he said.

Kundi added that doctors would also be asked to end their strike, saying their grievances would be addressed through negotiations.

He said the days of poor coordination between the federal and provincial governments were over and that the two sides would jointly pursue the province’s interests.

Police vacancies, Afghan nationals among security concerns

Discussing the security situation, Kundi said around 17,000 posts in the provincial police force were vacant and that several police stations and checkpoints had yet to be established.

He said Pakistan’s security would remain the foremost consideration and alleged that Afghan territory was being used against Pakistan. The administration would also pursue the return of undocumented Afghan nationals, he added.

Kundi warned that anyone accused of violating the law would have to face legal proceedings, saying there would be no negotiations with those unwilling to abide by Pakistan’s Constitution and laws.

Referring to people facing criminal cases, he said Interior Minister Naqvi had indicated that those against whom no cases were registered would be released. Kundi also said Naqvi had informed him that former chief minister Sohail Afridi was in protective custody.

The governor said action against anyone accused of wrongdoing would be taken in accordance with the law and reiterated that restoring security and public confidence would be central to the administration’s work.

Emergency and governor’s rule imposed on Sunday

The federal government imposed emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, October 11, under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, following a decision by the federal cabinet and approval by President Asif Ali Zardari.

The federal government cited the deteriorating security situation and accused the PTI-led provincial administration of failing to provide adequate support for counterterrorism efforts. PTI has rejected the move, while the Centre has defended it as necessary to restore constitutional governance and improve security.

The new arrangement places provincial administration under Governor Kundi, assisted by an 11-member advisory council. The federal government has also authorised the deployment of army personnel in aid of civil power under Article 245.

Kundi said the administration would work around the clock to restore peace and improve governance, adding that its performance would be judged by concrete results.