Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Photo: File
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday declared that the provincial government’s policy on Afghan nationals residing illegally in the province is fully aligned with the federal government’s stance, and action against them will continue. He made it clear, however, that Afghans entering Pakistan on valid visas would be welcomed.
Speaking to the media in Peshawar, the governor said no country in the world permits foreigners to stay without legal status. “Therefore, action will also be taken against Afghan citizens living illegally in Pakistan,” he stated. Those arriving with proper visas, he added, would be received as welcome guests.
On the ongoing campaign against encroachments, Kundi was categorical. The operation to remove illegal structures would continue and no pressure of any kind would be accepted in this regard. “Measures initiated in the public interest will be sustained,” he said.
Addressing the issue of prolonged power load-shedding in the province, the governor said he would take up the matter with the relevant authorities. At the same time, he reminded the public that electricity is neither free nor a war trophy. “Consumers must pay their bills for the power they use,” he asserted. Kundi revealed that work is under way to introduce new technology that would improve the power distribution and load-shedding system. Under the proposed arrangement, load-shedding would be managed at the transformer level rather than the feeder level, allowing more precise and equitable cuts.
The governor also welcomed the federal government’s decision to provide Rs 160 billion for development in K-P, describing it as a significant gesture of support. He said 70 per cent of the amount would be spent in areas that had historically been deprived of development projects and fair resource allocation.
Responding to a question about corruption allegations, Kundi said the law applies equally to everyone. Whether it concerns Chief Minister Sohail Afridi or any other individual, if there are credible charges of corruption, legal action must follow. “No one should be considered above the law when allegations arise,” he emphasised.
The governor also took note of the inconvenience caused by electricity poles standing in the middle of roads. He said he would discuss the matter with PESCO officials so that such poles could be relocated, reducing difficulties for citizens and easing traffic problems.
Kundi’s remarks reaffirm the provincial administration’s determination to enforce the law on illegal residency, protect public land from encroachments, and address long-standing issues of power supply and urban infrastructure while insisting that citizens fulfil their own obligations, particularly the payment of utility bills.
