Consultations were held over possibility of governor’s rule in KP, says Kundi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has revealed that consultations had taken place over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Governor Kundi slammed the provincial government’s approach towards the police force. He said police personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive comparatively low salaries and should be provided with better facilities and incentives.

The KP governor alleged that the provincial government was attempting to bring the police under its direct control. He said a similar effort had previously been made by a former chief minister.

Kundi also opposed KP government’s wish to have greater greater control over the appointment of senior police officials. He said the government wanted to influence the appointments of the inspector general of police, DIGs and district police officers.

Kundi said he would resist any move that could undermine the existing police structure.

The governor also raised concerns about corruption, lawlessness and terrorism in the province. Referring to governor’s rule, he maintained that imposing it would not necessarily constitute an unconstitutional step and confirmed that consultations had been held on the matter.

Responding to questions about PTI’s planned long march to Islamabad, Kundi questioned the party’s preparations. He claimed that PTI members of the National and Provincial Assemblies were already in Islamabad but were not actively preparing for the march.

Kundi further alleged that some PTI workers were voluntarily presenting themselves for arrest. Kundi said the party appeared to be struggling to organise the protest and claimed that PTI could call off the long march within the next one or two days.