PESHAWAR: NOV 7, 2025:
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the province continues to face serious challenges from India-backed terrorists and cross-border aggression. He said that due to its proximity and shared borders with Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains heavily affected by such threats. “There seems to be no alternative to intelligence-based operations for the complete eradication of terrorism,” he emphasized.
The Governor was speaking to participants of the 27th National Security Workshop from the National Defence University (NDU) during their study visit to the Governor’s House, Peshawar on Friday. The delegation was led by Major General Muhammad Raza, Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies and Research Analysis (ISSRA). The participants included members of parliament, academia, bureaucracy, business community representatives, and civil society members. Governor Kundi welcomed the visitors and briefed them on the overall security situation in the province, including the merged tribal districts, as well as issues related to natural resources and economic development. Responding to questions, the Governor said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, extending hospitality and shelter, but regrettably, Afghan nationals have been found involved in several terrorist incidents. He stressed that strict action must be taken against those who do not respect Pakistan’s Constitution and laws. Highlighting the province’s development needs, Governor Kundi said peace and stability are essential for investment and progress. He said that the province faces severe challenges from climate change, citing recent cloudbursts and glacial outbursts as alarming signs. The Governor pointed out that although the tribal areas have been merged into the province, administrative, financial, and regional challenges still persist. He lamented that despite Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being the largest producer of electricity, no major dam has been constructed after Tarbela, which could have helped in water conservation and power generation. Emphasizing tourism potential, Governor Kundi said that the province’s rich historical and religious heritage offers vast opportunities for promoting tourism. “By developing the tourism sector, we can ensure peace and prosperity in the province,” he concluded.