KP Governor Faisal Kundi Challenges Fazlur Rehman over Opposition to Governor’s Rule
ISLAMABAD:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has questioned Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s opposition to governor’s rule in the province, asking whether supporting the Legal Framework Order (LFO) and receiving land from military personnel had been acceptable.
Speaking to the media, Kundi said he was disappointed by Fazlur Rehman’s recent speech, recalling that the JUI-F chief had previously complained that he could not visit his hometown, Dera Ismail Khan, because of law and order problems and had declared the government unsuccessful.
“If governor’s rule is forbidden, then how was supporting the LFO acceptable?” Kundi asked, challenging Fazlur Rehman to explain what he considered appropriate in the current political situation.
The governor also criticised the JUI-F chief’s reported opposition to mineral extraction, arguing that developing mineral resources could bring prosperity to the country. He invited international companies to enter into joint ventures for mineral exploration and development.
Kundi alleged that some religious leaders opposed economic development because greater prosperity among the public could weaken their influence. He accused them of living in palaces while urging the children of poor families to take part in jihad.
Describing Fazlur Rehman as a seasoned politician, Kundi said he had nevertheless been disappointed by the latter’s recent remarks. He maintained that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace and urged the JUI-F chief to support efforts to restore stability.
Kundi also said that the political chapter of those with whom Fazlur Rehman had previously been associated was over, adding that the government had been formed without him and would continue to function.
### Security Situation in KP and Balochistan
Commenting on the security situation, the governor said the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was active in Balochistan, while the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) posed a threat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the Balochistan government stood alongside security forces and stressed that all security institutions would be further strengthened.
Kundi added that the distance between Peshawar and Islamabad had effectively narrowed, indicating closer coordination on security matters. He said action would be taken in response to the prevailing law and order situation and that intelligence-based operations would be conducted wherever necessary.
### Remarks on Murad Saeed
Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Saeed, Kundi described him as extremely close to former prime minister Imran Khan. He alleged that this closeness had previously prevented legal action from being taken against Saeed.
