Kundi says consultations held over governor’s rule in KP

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said consultations have taken place over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province.

Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Kundi criticised the provincial government’s approach towards the police force. He said police personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive comparatively low salaries and should be provided with better facilities and incentives.

The governor alleged that the provincial government was attempting to bring the police under its direct control. He said a similar effort had previously been made by a former chief minister.

Kundi also objected to the provincial government’s reported desire to have greater control over the appointment of senior police officials. He said the government wanted to influence the appointments of the inspector general of police, DIGs and district police officers.

He said he would resist any move that could undermine the existing police structure.

The governor also raised concerns about corruption, lawlessness and terrorism in the province. Referring to governor’s rule, he maintained that imposing it would not necessarily constitute an unconstitutional step and confirmed that consultations had been held on the matter.

Responding to questions about PTI’s planned long march to Islamabad, Kundi questioned the party’s preparations. He claimed that PTI members of the National and Provincial Assemblies were already in Islamabad but were not actively preparing for the march.

He further alleged that some PTI workers were voluntarily presenting themselves for arrest. Kundi said the party appeared to be struggling to organise the protest and claimed that PTI could announce the cancellation or conclusion of the long march within the next one or two days.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions between the federal and provincial governments and PTI over law and order, police administration and the party’s planned protest in Islamabad.