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KP Governor Calls for Joint Parliament Session to Tackle Terrorism and Resource Rights
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called on the federal government to convene a joint session of Parliament to address the challenges facing Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consult the province's political leadership on terrorism, law and order, and other pressing issues.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex in Peshawar, Kundi said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had borne the heaviest toll in the war against terrorism and continues to face serious problems, including worsening law and order and corruption. He emphasized the importance of genuine dialogue between the federal and provincial governments, saying political leaders must come together to resolve the province's difficulties.
The governor also voiced concern over recent comments made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, warning that such remarks risk fueling provincialism and deepening divisions among the country's federating units. He appealed to the prime minister to caution Punjab's leadership against making statements that could create rifts between provinces.
Kundi said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa must make a stronger case for its rights over natural resources such as electricity, oil, gas, and water, all of which are being used at the national level. He stressed that the province's rightful share of these resources deserves equal attention. He noted that legal action was already under way concerning the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the province's financial entitlements, and he urged the provincial government to build a comprehensive case regarding its resources and constitutional rights. He offered his cooperation in any talks between the provincial and federal governments on these matters.
The governor said the prime minister, as the central authority, should convene meetings of the Apex Committee and the federal cabinet, and engage in consultations with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's political leaders to develop a unified strategy for addressing the province's problems. He reiterated his call for a joint parliamentary sitting to allow a thorough national debate on the issues confronting Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Kundi further noted that the province has the largest youth population in the country along with significant talent, but young people require better opportunities and resources to fulfill their potential. He expressed disappointment that the provincial government has not devoted adequate attention to building a strong case for the province's rights and resources.
Earlier in his visit, Kundi toured the PCSIR Laboratories Complex, where Director General Sohail Amir Marwat briefed him on the organization's structure, services, centers, ongoing PSDP projects, and future plans. The briefing also covered the performance of the Medical Botanical, Materials Science, Food Technology, Calibration, Engineering Services, and Dimension Stone centers.