PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor , Faisal Karim Kundi , on Saturday expressed disappointment over recent remarks by Jamiat Ulma e Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the province’s law and order situation, questioning his opposition to Governor’s Rule and raising concerns over his position on mineral development and past political decisions.
Speaking to media representatives in Peshawar, Kundi described Fazlur Rehman as a senior and politically experienced leader, saying he had not expected such remarks from him.Referring to the JUI-F Chief’s reported complaints that the deteriorating security situation had restricted his freedom of movement in his home area of Dera Ismail Khan, the governor questioned why he was opposing Governor’s Rule.
“If Governor’s Rule is haram, was supporting the Legal Framework Order (LFO) halal?” Kundi asked.
The governor also raised questions about land allegedly allocated to Fazlur Rehman, referring to land associated with the Army and families of martyrs.
Drawing a comparison between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Kundi said the Chief minister of Balochistan was cooperating with the federal government and state institutions in efforts to combat terrorism.Referring to the security threat posed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), he contrasted the cooperation in Balochistan with the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant organisations remain a major security concern.
Kundi emphasised the need for effective coordination between provincial governments, the federal government and state institutions to counter militancy and establish lasting peace.
Rejecting the impression that the provincial administration had made no efforts to improve law and order, the governor criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that it lacked the political will and effective authority required to confront terrorism.
He further claimed that important decisions during the previous provincial administration were influenced by developments in Kabul, Jalalabad and Kandahar rather than Islamabad.
The governor also alleged that some fugitive figures associated with the former provincial administration were operating from across the border and attempting to incite people.He said the state would not compromise on peace and security and that those taking up arms against Pakistan would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Turning to the province’s economic potential, Kundi strongly advocated the exploration and utilisation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral resources, saying their extraction and sale could create employment opportunities, attract investment and improve the living standards of local communities.Our province is rich in minerals, and we will extract and sell these minerals, Kundi said.He invited domestic and international companies to invest in the province’s mineral sector through joint ventures with Pakistani businesses and the provincial government.
Referring to Lakki Marwat, Tank and Bannu, Kundi questioned opposition to mineral development, arguing that the province’s natural wealth should be utilised to promote economic growth and public prosperity.He also called for investment in oil and gas reserves, saying the development of these resources could create economic opportunities and strengthen local businesses.
The governor criticised resistance to mineral extraction, arguing that economic prosperity would reduce public dependence on certain religious leaders.He also questioned religious figures who, according to him, encouraged children from poor families to participate in jihad while enjoying comfortable lives themselves.
Kundi said political differences should not prevent leaders from cooperating on matters concerning peace, development and public welfare.He invited Fazlur Rehman to work together to improve the province’s security and economic conditions, adding that the provincial government had been formed without the JUI-F Chief’s support and would continue to function.
Reiterating his position on the security situation, the governor said there could be no compromise on establishing lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while political and administrative matters could be addressed through consultation and dialogue.
His remarks came amid heightened political tensions following the imposition of Governor’s Rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, a move opposed by the PTI, which has described the federal intervention as politically motivated and undemocratic.
