Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s ability to carry its planned long march beyond Attock, asserting that the party lacks the public backing it claims and warning that governor’s rule could be imposed if federal leadership decides to act.
Governor Questions PTI’s Claimed Support
Speaking to a private television channel, Kundi directly challenged the PTI’s narrative of mass mobilization, asking where the crowds the party has promised have gone.
“Where are the two million people?” he asked, claiming the PTI does not have enough supporters to sustain a march. He asserted the party could not move beyond Attock and invited it to prove its claimed public strength.
Party Accused of Abandoning Political Norms
The governor alleged that the PTI is no longer functioning as a conventional political party and accused its leadership of causing damage to the province. He further claimed the provincial government has failed to establish effective control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Kundi, the province is grappling with a serious security crisis, yet the PTI is directing its energies toward marching on Islamabad rather than confronting militancy.
Security Concerns Raised Over Protest Plans
Kundi voiced apprehension about security arrangements during the long march, questioning whether the PTI has any mechanism to prevent individuals with malicious intent from entering Islamabad amid the protest.
He referenced his recent meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying the discussion covered security conditions, negotiations with the PTI and the planned march.
Provincial Government Criticised on Militancy
The governor accused the KP government of maintaining what he described as a “mysterious silence” over terrorist attacks. He alleged that whenever the federal government sought cooperation against militancy, the provincial administration instead called for the withdrawal of the military from the province and negotiations with Afghanistan.
He also criticised former prime minister Imran Khan, alleging that militants had been settled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during his tenure.
Governor’s Rule a ‘Last Resort’
On the prospect of imposing governor’s rule in the province, Kundi said it would remain a “last resort” and that no one wanted such a step.
“Governor’s rule is always the last option,” he said, adding that the provincial situation should ideally proceed through normal constitutional and political processes.
He made clear, however, that if the president and prime minister decide to impose governor’s rule, the provincial administration would implement that decision.
