ISLAMABAD: The federal government has dismissed speculation about the possible replacement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, stating that reports circulating in this regard are baseless.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in the province was not politically motivated, adding that eliminating terrorism and establishing lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the government’s top priorities.
Speaking to senior journalists at Parliament, Chaudhry described Kundi as an experienced politician and a seasoned parliamentarian. He said the governor had taken charge of provincial administrative affairs and promptly convened a meeting of the Apex Committee.
According to the federal minister, all constitutional requirements for the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been fulfilled, and the process had now entered its third phase.
He said 12 districts affected by terrorism would be cleared of militants, after which the province’s administrative affairs would be handed back to the provincial government.
Chaudhry also said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited the opposition to hold talks, adding that the government remained open to meaningful dialogue. He said the government would welcome the opposition if it was willing to engage in serious and constructive negotiations.
