Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi criticizes the PTI long march, calls for Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s resignation and urges the provincial government to speak out against terrorism.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has warned of consequences if anyone attempts actions similar to the events of May 9, saying he knows how to protect the Governor House. He also called on Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to resign and challenged the provincial government to issue a statement condemning terrorism.

Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar, Kundi criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the provincial government over their political approach, security concerns and relations with the federal government.

“If attempts are made to carry out actions like May 9, the consequences will have to be faced,” Kundi said, according to the statements provided. He added that he knew how to protect the Governor House.

The governor called on Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to step down, although he did not provide further details in the supplied remarks to support the demand.

Criticizing PTI’s long march, Kundi said the party had turned it into a “Lucky Irani Circus,” using the phrase to question the nature and direction of its political activity.

He also challenged the provincial government to issue a statement against terrorism. Kundi accused the party’s leadership of never condemning terrorists, making the issue a central point of his criticism.

“The federal government is essential for running the province, but you want to fight with the federation,” he said, highlighting tensions between the provincial administration and the federal government.

Expressing concern about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi said, “My province is burning, and they are enjoying luxuries.” His remarks reflected his criticism of the government’s priorities amid the province’s security challenges.

The governor also claimed that there had been contacts with PTI’s “bookies,” though the supplied statements did not provide further details about the individuals involved or the nature of the alleged contacts.

Referring to a possible Twenty20 cricket event, Kundi said, “They say T20 is about to start.” The context of the remark was not clarified in the supplied material.

He further challenged those he was criticizing to come to Swabi and demonstrate that they could cross the district. The statement appeared among his remarks about the political situation, but no additional details were provided about the specific challenge.

Kundi’s news conference focused on political confrontation, terrorism and relations between the provincial and federal governments. The supplied statements did not include responses from Chief Minister Sohail Afridi or PTI to the governor’s criticism.