Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi says authorities will target terrorists and their facilitators, while promising stronger resources for provincial police amid renewed security concerns.
CHARSADDA, Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that authorities will take action against terrorists and their facilitators, adding that suspended provincial chief executive Sohail Afridi is in “safe hands.”
Kundi made the remarks during a visit to Charsadda, where he offered condolences to the families of Deputy Superintendent of Police Imranuddin and police constable Kazim Jan, who were killed during an operation against terrorists in Karak district.
The governor said a meeting of the National Apex Committee had taken a firm decision to eliminate terrorism. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s military leadership had assured the province of the resources needed to address security challenges.
Kundi said police and other law-enforcement agencies required modern weapons and better facilities to confront militants. He said the federal interior minister had assured him that the police would receive the necessary equipment and support.
The governor also claimed that weapons left behind by international forces in Afghanistan were being used by militants against Pakistan. He said authorities believed terrorist networks had facilitators inside the country and that action would target both militants and those assisting them.
Kundi ruled out negotiations with people who refused to accept Pakistan’s Constitution and laws, saying the public would now see counterterrorism measures implemented on the ground.
Questions Remain Over Sohail Afridi’s Whereabouts
Responding to questions about Sohail Afridi, Kundi said the suspended chief executive was in “safe hands” but did not provide details about his location. He also said he could not predict the political future of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The statement comes amid legal proceedings concerning Afridi’s whereabouts. The Peshawar High Court has sought responses from provincial authorities, police and relevant agencies on petitions concerning the alleged detention of Afridi and other PTI leaders. The petitions raise questions about their whereabouts and the legality of their detention; these are allegations before the court, not final judicial findings.
Kundi also said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had significant mineral resources and that investment could help develop the sector. He maintained that peace and improved security were essential for economic development and attracting investment to the province.
The governor’s remarks underline the government’s stated focus on counterterrorism and strengthening police capacity, while the legal questions surrounding Afridi’s custody remain unresolved.
