Seventy leaders representing 16 political parties convened at the Governor House Peshawar for an All Parties Conference (APC) to address the worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), especially in Kurram.
Notably, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chose not to attend the conference, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Thursday.
In its declaration, the APC highlighted an alarming rise in violence over the past year, resulting in the martyrdom of more than 70 security personnel.
The participants expressed deep concern and emphasised that the region's natural resources and minerals are a trust of the people. They demanded full transparency regarding lease agreements tied to these assets.
The declaration also called for immediate steps to improve governance and accountability in the province, urging the government to restore peace and order.
The APC participants stressed the importance of enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies and the development of a robust strategy to combat security threats effectively.
Addressing a joint press conference following the APC, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, alongside leaders from other political parties, appealed to the federal government to intervene in maintaining peace in the province.
KP Governor Kundi strongly criticised the provincial government's negligence, noting its lack of focus on addressing the deteriorating security situation.
Earlier today, the conference was convened to address the deteriorating law and order situation in KP, especially in Kurram. Addressing the attendees of the APC, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grave concerns over the rising unrest in the province.
He criticised the provincial government led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for its inaction, stating, "The province is engulfed in insecurity, but the government remains oblivious."
Governor Kundi also rebuked PTI for boycotting the APC, labelling them as instigators of discord. He accused PTI of prioritising political chaos over peace and alleged that "those who brought terrorists into the region do not desire peace."
Highlighting the challenges in Kurram, he noted that road closures were hampering the delivery of essential supplies, including medicines, further aggravating the crisis.
PTI, on the other hand, termed the APC unconstitutional and refused to participate, reiterating their dissent against its legitimacy.
Governor Kundi emphasised the necessity of the APC under the prevailing circumstances, asserting that it was an essential step toward tackling the prolonged unrest and chaos in the province.
Yesterday, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, during a press conference, disclosed that a Jirga would be formed to urge the federal government to prioritise peace and development in the province.
KP Governor Faisal Kundi hinted at the possibility of federal intervention, including imposing governor rule, if the provincial government fails to address the issue properly.
Criticising the provincial government of Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, the governor lamented its lack of response to the crises in Kurram and accused the chief minister of prioritising protests over governance.
He highlighted that basic relief for displaced families, such as tents and food, was provided by the Red Crescent rather than the provincial administration.
Reporter: Amir Shehzad