Kundi vows Islamabad-led policies for KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has pledged closer coordination between the federal and provincial governments, saying policy decisions for the province will be made in Islamabad. He also announced plans to strengthen security forces, improve police facilities and accelerate administrative reforms following the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule in the province.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Monday, Kundi said the government would prioritise counterterrorism and law and order before development projects. He stressed that cooperation between government institutions was essential to address the security challenges facing KP.

“Our policies will come from Islamabad and not from Kabul, Jalalabad or Kandahar,” Kundi said, calling for an end to confrontational politics between the provincial and federal administrations.

The governor pledged full support to the provincial police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the Frontier Constabulary and other security agencies. He said the forces would receive the equipment and resources needed to tackle terrorist threats effectively.

Kundi said he had asked the inspector general of police and the chief secretary to consider increasing police salaries. He also announced plans to improve compensation for the families of security personnel killed while performing their duties.

According to the governor, the federal government had previously offered modern armoured vehicles to KP, but the former provincial administration had not received them. He said the vehicles provided by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had now been received.

Kundi further stated that the provincial administration would take strict action against corruption and those found responsible would face legal proceedings. He said individuals facing cases would have to appear before the courts and answer the allegations against them.

He also criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, accusing it of failing to ensure public security and effectively present the province’s needs to the federal government. The allegations were part of his criticism of the previous administration.

The governor said the government intended to address what he described as years of administrative mismanagement through a focused campaign. He added that officials would work on a war footing to achieve visible improvements within three months.

Kundi also confirmed that former KP chief minister Sohail Afridi was in what he described as protective custody. He said the Apex Committee had decided to deport undocumented Afghan nationals, adding that individuals without valid documents would be sent back.

Earlier on Monday, Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi co-chaired a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee at the Governor’s House. The meeting brought together members of the newly formed advisory council and senior officials to discuss security concerns and coordination between the federal and provincial administrations.

The meeting was held after the federal government formed an 11-member advisory council to oversee administrative affairs in KP following the imposition of emergency measures and governor’s rule.

During the meeting, Kundi reiterated that counterterrorism efforts must remain the government’s foremost priority. He said the police and CTD needed adequate resources and facilities to confront militant threats, adding that security agencies should be supported in carrying out their responsibilities.

He also called for practical measures rather than symbolic steps, stressing that government efforts should produce measurable results. According to Kundi, improved security would allow residents to travel freely, conduct business without fear and resume their daily activities.

The governor said lasting peace could also help attract investment and unlock the province’s economic potential. He pointed to KP’s natural resources, agricultural sector, energy opportunities and tourism industry as areas that could contribute to economic growth if security conditions improved.

Meanwhile, Naqvi called for stronger coordination between the Centre and the provincial administration to tackle terrorism and address security-related challenges. He also emphasised the need to provide law enforcement agencies with the support required to maintain peace.

Both officials stressed that government institutions must work together to improve the security situation. Kundi said the administration would continue engaging with relevant committees to identify gaps, strengthen law enforcement and ensure better coordination.

The new administrative arrangement faces the challenge of improving security while addressing public concerns, restoring confidence in institutions and supporting economic activity across the province.