AHMAD KARIM KUNDI, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, sharply criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government on Wednesday for what he described as its failure to assume responsibility in the ongoing war on terror. He warned that the provincial government’s confrontational stance with the federal government was exacerbating instability in the region.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Karim Kundi expressed disappointment over the provincial cabinet’s recent criticism of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He urged the KP government to prioritize improving relations with the federal government instead of fostering conflict. Emphasizing constitutional obligations, he reminded that the province must adhere to federal policies on matters within the federal domain.
“Is the provincial government following the federal policy on the war on terror?” Kundi questioned, highlighting concerns about KP’s approach to security. He alleged that despite KP being at the forefront of the conflict, the PTI-led administration was not taking adequate ownership of counterterrorism efforts. “Terrorism is once again resurfacing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yet the provincial government is not embracing its role in the war on terror,” he added.
Kundi also raised questions about the utilization of substantial federal funds allocated to KP under the war on terror head. He cited figures presented earlier this year in the KP Assembly, noting that the province received Rs374.224 billion over five years under this category, with total federal transfers under the NFC Award and war on terror head reaching approximately Rs3.489 trillion. He pointed out discrepancies of around Rs60 billion between budget documents and finance department records.
Highlighting PPP’s historical commitment to KP, Kundi asserted that his party had always worked for the province’s welfare, including efforts to eliminate terrorism and establish the province’s identity. He criticized former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and current Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for pursuing confrontational politics, which he said was detrimental to the province’s stability.
“The politics of confrontation, disorder, and conflict with the federal government must end,” Kundi stated, warning that such discord was pushing KP towards darkness. He questioned whether the province’s challenges could be resolved by worsening relations with the Centre or by fostering cooperation.
Addressing the ongoing dispute over the governor’s role in security matters, Kundi defended Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s constitutional authority to convene security meetings and invite the inspector general of police. He urged the chief minister to better understand constitutional provisions and the distribution of powers among provincial offices, advocating for dialogue over confrontation.
Kundi distinguished between emergency rule and the governor’s constitutional powers, emphasizing PPP’s preference for parliamentary debate and dialogue rather than street protests or public confrontations. “We believe in resolving issues through parliamentary mechanisms, not at chowks and intersections,” he said.
Reflecting on past achievements, Kundi recalled how PPP-led governments, in collaboration with allied parties, had restored normalcy in KP during previous terrorism threats, including when militants had reportedly reached Islamabad. He lamented that the province had now regressed to the “zero point” from which its fight against militancy began, warning that ongoing political strife and deteriorating security could lead to the province falling under the control of armed groups.
He accused the PTI of prioritizing division over cooperation and urged those criticizing the PPP to first evaluate their own performance. Kundi called on the provincial government to cease its confrontational approach with the federal government and instead focus on improving security, governance, and addressing the public’s issues.
Further condemning the provincial cabinet’s targeting of Bilawal Bhutto, he said the PPP chairman had extended an opportunity to the provincial leadership that had not been effectively utilized. “Those who criticize the PPP should look within themselves,” he remarked, reiterating his party’s belief that political disputes should be resolved through constitutional and parliamentary channels rather than through confrontation.
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