CHARSADDA(National Times)- Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called for a united political effort to secure Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional and financial rights, including a fair share under the National Finance Commission Award.
Speaking to party workers, elders and journalists during a visit to the residence of former provincial minister Barrister Arshad Abdullah in Utmanzai here, Mr Kundi said all political forces should rise above partisan interests and work together for the welfare and development of the province.
The governor said the restoration of peace and stability, particularly in the southern districts of the province, remained a top priority, adding that sustainable economic development was not possible without improved law and order.
He said the federal government was ready to extend all possible support to address the province’s challenges and urged the provincial government to take practical steps to resolve public issues.
Says Centre ready to address province’s challenges
Referring to matters related to wheat and the CNG sector, Mr Kundi said the Centre stood with the provincial government but alleged that the latter had failed to demonstrate seriousness in addressing these issues. He also criticised the provincial administration for not taking effective measures to increase the salaries of police personnel.
The governor stressed the need for reforms in health, education and other public service sectors to improve facilities for citizens.
Criticising former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, he termed the presence of a bodyguard on the assembly floor an unconstitutional act and said certain political positions adopted by the provincial leadership reflected contradictions in their public stance.
Mr Kundi also said negotiations could not be held with elements in Azad Jammu and Kashmir that did not accept the Constitution and the rule of law, adding that a strong federation was essential for a strong Pakistan.
Commenting on the recent budget debate, he said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had initially claimed that the budget would not be passed, but subsequent developments proved otherwise.
Regarding the NFC Award, the governor alleged that the provincial government had failed to present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s case effectively before the federal authorities and had not secured significant gains for the province during meetings with the prime minister.
He reiterated the need for collective political efforts to safeguard the province’s interests and ensure that its constitutional and financial rights were fully protected.
Meanwhile, a former PTI union council nazim and property dealer was shot dead, and two others from the rival group were injured in an exchange of fire over a property dispute in Mitho Kallay area, the police said.
The deceased, Noorul Wahab, was on his way with his brother, Abdullah, from Sardheri Bazaar to their home when the accused, Khanzada, Jamshad, Umarzada, Bilal and Usman, allegedly opened fire on their vehicle near Mitho Kallay. Police said Wahab died on the spot, while Abdullah sustained serious injuries.
An FIR has been registered on Abdullah’s complaint under sections 302, 324, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complainant alleged that the attack stemmed from a longstanding property dispute between the two sides.
Police also registered a cross-version of the case on the complaint of Umarzada, who alleged that Wahab and Abdullah had arrived at the scene when armed men opened fire on them. He claimed that he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, while the others accompanying him escaped unhurt. The cross-case also attributes the incident to the same property dispute.
Meanwhile, a young man was shot dead and his brother injured after armed robbers opened fire during a robbery in the limits of Tarnab police station on Saturday.
According to police, Sajjad Khan was travelling with his brother, Shayan, in a rickshaw from Charsadda to Tarnab when three unidentified armed men intercepted them in the Bazi Abad area.
The suspects allegedly attempted to snatch Rs104,000 in cash and two mobile phones. When the victims offered resistance, the assailants opened indiscriminate fire, killing Sajjad Khan on the spot and injuring Shayan in the hand before fleeing with the cash and mobile phones.
