Governor Kundi says no immediate change indicated in KP govt

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Saturday that any move to replace the province’s chief minister was an internal matter of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, while adding that there was no sign of an immediate change in the provincial setup.

Speaking to reporters in Dera Ismail Khan, the governor said PTI itself was in a better position to explain any possible shift in the government, and added that some elements within the party appeared to support such a move. “Only PTI can better explain a possible change in the government, noting that some elements within the PTI appeared to favour such a move.”

Responding to speculation about former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur possibly returning to office, Mr Kundi rejected the idea and said such expectations were unrealistic.

He also alleged that when the party leadership identified what he described as disloyal elements within its ranks, it acted against them. The governor further claimed that some individuals were themselves spreading reports about contacts with other political parties, and said those who had once left PTI were unlikely to come back.

PPP position in the province

Mr Kundi said Dera Ismail Khan had become a strong base of the Pakistan Peoples Party and stated that the party had the highest number of elected representatives in the province.

He said the PPP was organising workers’ conventions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to him, such events had already taken place in Malakand, while more programmes were being planned in Peshawar and other divisional headquarters.

The governor added that efforts were under way to put together a coalition government in the province.

Political contacts and development schemes

When asked about a meeting between a former senator and JUI-F leader Maulana Asad Mahmood, Mr Kundi said interaction among politicians was a normal part of politics.

On development matters, the governor said work related to an international airport in Dera Ismail Khan and a lift canal project was in progress. He said the airport project would be placed before an upcoming board meeting and alleged that certain elements were trying to create hurdles in its way.

He said the lift canal project was close to completion and would be inaugurated soon.

Mr Kundi also said a plan for the widening of the Indus Highway would be launched shortly in order to improve connectivity.

The governor’s remarks came amid discussion over possible political changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though he maintained that no immediate change in the provincial government was indicated and that any decision on the matter rested with PTI.