Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that legalizing the cultivation of opium does not fall under the provincial government’s jurisdiction, terming it a federal matter. Speaking to the media, the governor said that even if the province wanted to, it could not declare opium cultivation legal, warning that laws could be introduced tomorrow to provide legal cover for smuggling and other illegal activities if such a precedent was set. Governor Kundi said he recently met Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Karachi where they discussed the political situation in KP and party organizational matters. He added that a party committee would soon visit the province to review the organizational setup. Criticizing the PTI-led provincial government, the governor said the party and the provincial administration appeared to be "operating from Adiala," claim that former Prime Minister Imran Khan should be shifted from Punjab to another province. He accused the former chief minister of promoting abusive policies and failing to deliver anything meaningful to the province, adding that the current situation had seriously damaged the health and education sectors. The governor emphasized that the province’s rights could only be secured through collective action. "I have offered that we jointly approach the federation to demand the due rights of the province, but the only priority of the provincial government seems to be the release of its founding chairman," he said. On the issue of the governor’s rule, Faisal Karim Kundi said it entirely depended on the behavior of the provincial government. "If governor’s rule is imposed, no one will even be able to reach the governor’s house. We don’t just make statements; we prove things by action," he warned. He further said that if the politics of confrontation continued, the law would take its course, adding that the constitution clearly defines the procedure and rationale for the imposition of governor’s rule. Meanwhile, Kundi has urged young graduates to brace themselves for the challenges of professional life, stressing that academic success is the result of students’ relentless hard work. He added that educated youth with confidence and dedication can make their mark in their respective fields and bring glory to the nation. The governor expressed these views while addressing the 10th convocation of Gandhara University Peshawar as the chief guest on Wednesday.
KP cannot legalize poppy cultivation: Governor Kundi
