KP Governor Kundi slams federal role in canal dispute, warns of crisis

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has blamed the federal government for aggravating canal-related disputes in the province, saying, “Two provinces already have tensions — the federal government is now spoiling matters in a third.”

In an exclusive conversation with 24NewsHD TV Channel, Governor Kundi said that during the holy month of Ramadan, a key meeting was held between the Prime Minister and the PPP leadership regarding canal issues. “PM Shehbaz Sharif had assured us a follow-up meeting, but it hasn’t taken place yet,” he revealed.

Talking about the Mines and Minerals Bill, Kundi alleged that a “double game” was being played but softened the tone on CM Ali Amin Gandapur, stating, “He’s a good boy who follows instructions — in Punjabi we say ‘naukar ki tay nakhra ki’”. He also assured that the bill would be passed.

He also raised objections to the recent visit of the deputy prime minister to Afghanistan. “There are many cross-border issues involving Balochistan and KP, yet no representatives from these provinces were included. I object to that,” he said, calling on the Foreign Minister to brief the parliament and provinces on the visit.

Kundi criticised the KP government’s inaction in the fight against terrorism, stating, “The ones who brought 40,000 terrorists into the country can’t be expected to bring peace.” He noted that CM Gandapur hadn’t even visited the homes of police martyrs in Dera Ismail Khan.

He lamented the misuse of funds meant for counter-terrorism under the NFC Award. “We received over Rs600 billion, yet KP police have the lowest salaries, no modern weapons, no forensic labs, and no bulletproof vehicles for patrolling. Where has the money gone?” he asked, accusing the provincial government of spending public money on luxuries.

Kundi mocked the internal accusations within the KP cabinet, saying, “Now they themselves admit they are thieves. One minister accuses another of stealing wheat; another, of eating up pensions. One even claims the CM has assets worth Rs10 crore but spent Rs70 crore on the party.”

Taking a sarcastic dig at governance, he remarked, “Development in KP exists only on social media—we’ve gone ahead of Switzerland online.” He concluded by saying, “KP is witnessing record-breaking corruption — worse than ever before.”

He said it was regrettable that the NAB and FIA had turned a blind eye to the massive corruption happening in KP. “CM Gandapur says we are self-sufficient — but we can’t even pay salaries to university professors.”

He hinted at a political comeback, saying, “President Zardari will soon be in action — and you’ll see him in the field.”

Reporter: Awais Kiyani