ISLAMABAD — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is not in a position to stage a long march, noting that the Constitution contains provisions relating to Governor’s Rule and an emergency.
Speaking on Dunya News programme TONIGHT with Samar Abbas, Kundi said the PTI’s focus remained on Adiala Jail and D-Chowk, while claiming that terrorism had increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that the provincial government had failed to address the situation adequately.
Governor Criticises PTI Founder’s Legal Stance
The governor also criticised PTI founder Imran Khan, referring to his legal status and saying that the party should approach the courts if it believes he is innocent.
On internal differences within the PTI, Kundi said Sher Afzal Marwat had filed a petition against the PTI founder and alleged that the party had not issued him a notice. He further claimed that Marwat had approached the court at the direction of former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Kundi alleged that some individuals had benefited financially by using the PTI founder’s name, citing Junaid Akbar’s reported remarks that those who had earned money in his name should now spend it.
Security Situation Under Scrutiny
Discussing the security situation, the governor said terrorism was increasing in the province and questioned the provincial government’s approach toward talks with Afghanistan.
He also claimed that security concerns had made it difficult for people to move freely in parts of KP after sunset.
Kundi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited the PTI for talks several times, but questioned whom the federal government should negotiate with, alleging that there were multiple factions within the party.
October 4 Activities and Calls for Cooperation
Regarding the PTI’s planned activities, the governor referred to October 4 and said it would become clear how many people participated. He urged the provincial government to cooperate with the federation in combating terrorism and not facilitate militants.
Kundi further said that, according to a medical report, the PTI founder was in good health. The governor also maintained that if the PTI founder considered himself innocent, the party should approach the courts, where he could seek bail through legal proceedings.
