Excludes the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the state
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi addresses the media on Friday, December 19, 2025
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the introduction of governor’s rule depends on the performance of the provincial government, adding that if the provincial administration cooperates effectively with federal and state institutions, there would be no need for such a move.
Addressing the media, the governor said if the provincial government supports federal and state institutions properly, the federal government would have no justification to impose the governor’s rule.
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Kundi categorically rejected the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the state. “We will not hold a dialogue for a moment with those who stand against the state, who do not accept the constitution and laws of Pakistan and who are responsible for the martyrdom of our children and security personnel,” he said.
Referring to attacks on security installations, he said such elements were involved in assaults on cadet schools, FC headquarters, police training schools, military convoys and police personnel.
The governor emphasized that the provincial government must work in coordination with state institutions to maintain law and order and engage with the federal government on pending issues including royalty payments to the province.
He added that peace and stability were essential for prosperity and development. “If discussions are being held on these issues, why should governor’s rule be imposed?” he asked.
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However, he warned against allowing Afghan refugees to remain unregulated. “If it is decided that Afghan refugees will not be sent back and they continue to stay while conditions deteriorate, suicide bombings occur and our people are martyred – and yet talks are held with them and offices are made available – then the situation could worsen,” he said.
The governor asked: “Have you ever heard of a country where a Pakistani citizen can live without a visa? Such people are either deported or imprisoned.”
Kundi said millions of Afghans who had lived in Pakistan for 40 years should return to their homeland and re-enter legally. “It is not acceptable to roam freely in Pakistan without a visa,” adding that Pakistan will abide by international treaties that only allow stay in a country with a valid visa.
Commenting on the 14-year jail term for former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, the governor called it ‘a good step’. “Every institution has good and bad people,” he said, adding that accountability must apply to all. “Whether they are politicians, judges or members of the armed forces, until there is a proper system of accountability and punishment, things cannot improve.”
Responding to a question about talks with PTI, he said, “It is a good thing that PTI has now remembered that dialogue should also take place.” He recalled that when the PTI had earlier been asked to participate in negotiations or agree on a charter on democracy or a charter on economy, they had refused. “They used to say they didn’t want to shake hands with us and considered it an insult to sit together,” he said.
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He further said that so far there had been no formal contact between Pakistan Peoples Party and PTI. “If contact is established, the party leadership will decide what to do,” he said.
However, Kundi expressed reservations about PTI’s approach. “I think they’ve laid the wrong foundation,” he said. “If talks are based on a minus PML-N formula … how can meaningful dialogue take place?” he concluded.
