ISLAMABAD: JUNE 17, 2025.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, in a meeting with a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), led by Senior Journalist Kazim Khan, expressed deep concerns over the province’s severe economic, administrative, and security challenges. Governor Kundi squarely blamed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as unprecedented corruption and mismanagement during its 13-year tenure in the province. He alleged massive embezzlement in projects like mosque solarization schemes, with billions lost, notably highlighting irregularities in Kohistan and other districts. He criticized the collapse of local government institutions, saying that funds are insufficient even for basic salaries and that recruitment for low-grade positions is marred by bribery. Universities are in a dire state, with salaries and pensions halted, yet recruitment continues through financial kickbacks. On the healthcare front, Governor Kundi lamented the monetization of basic services, including medical tests and medicine distribution, alleging favoritism and profiteering at the cost of patient care.
Raising the question of accountability, he asked, “Where is the Billion Tree Project now?” while underlining the neglect of agriculture despite it being the backbone of the economy. He also criticized the federal government over high electricity tariffs, the delay in NFC Award allocations, and up to 18 hours of load-shedding in the province. Highlighting development needs, he reiterated his commitment to inaugurating the Chashma Lift Canal project to meet South KP’s food requirements. He also emphasized the economic benefits of linking Kalabagh Dam with the Jinnah Canal, proposing that the Chief Minister present a bill in the assembly to safeguard the province’s water rights. The Governor expressed regret over the lack of progress on the Southern KP and Balochistan route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying even the existing infrastructure is deteriorating due to corruption. On security, he painted a grim picture, daylight extortion checkpoints, armed hold-ups, and loss of public trust. Referring to an incident involving the son of JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman being stopped by armed men on a highway, he questioned the law enforcement’s control. He revealed that 750 bunkers were constructed in Kurram without transparency on their purpose or origin, restricting humanitarian access. He urged the Chief Minister to sit in Kohat with his cabinet and the Inspector General of Police until the region's issues, especially Kurram's, are resolved.