KP governor lauds bar councils for addressing societal issues

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said the bar councils play a key role in addressing societal issues and producing leadership.

He praised lawyers for demonstrating unity and achieving their goals through their movement, underscoring the significant role that the bar councils play in maintaining the rule of law and contributing to national development. He asserted that the day true justice is delivered in the country, the nation’s destiny will change.

Addressing the allocation of a grant of Rs7.8 million to the bar councils of Dera Ismail Khan, Governor Kundi highlighted the importance of the Chashma Lift Canal project, which will irrigate nearly 600,000 acres of land by raising the canal by 90 feet. He also mentioned ongoing projects in Tank and Daraban Zam aimed at bringing an agricultural revolution to the area, potentially meeting the food needs of neighbouring countries.

During the grant distribution event, which was attended by members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council including Advocate Sardar Hashmat Nawaz Sadozai and General Secretary Adnan Sadozai Advocate, former President of the District Bar and President of PPP Divisional, Sardar Qaisar Khan Meenakhel Advocate, among others, Governor Kundi expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the party leadership. He reiterated his commitment to the development of Dera and acknowledged the significant contributions of lawyers to society.

Governor Kundi stated that he consistently raised provincial issues with the federal government, including discussions with the prime minister before the budget regarding the Chashma Lift Canal.

He expressed gratitude to the prime minister, the federal minister of petroleum and natural resources Musadik Malik and the provincial government for allocating funds for the canal, which is set to be inaugurated this year.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture to national development, he revealed ongoing efforts to obtain NOCs for the Dera Ismail Khan International Airport, which will benefit the adjoining districts of three provinces and extend the CPEC route to Quetta. Attention is also being given to the development of Yarik Panyala and the establishment of industrial centres, he added.

Regarding local infrastructure, Governor Kundi mentioned ongoing work to establish passport desks at the Nadra Mega Centre and in large villages, as well as a provincial cabinet meeting in Dera or Kulachi to highlight regional issues.

He thanked the Federal Minister of Law Azam Nazir Tarrar for the grant provisions and assured full support for the establishment of a lawyers’ colony in Dera. He also mentioned discussions with the federal government regarding the shortage of judges in merged districts, promising to resolve the issue. Kundi assured that the Governor House’s doors were open to all.

During his address, High Court Bar Association President Hidayatullah Malana thanked the governor for securing the grant. He also expressed gratitude to Azam Nazir Tarrar for advocating the grant for their bars.

The event saw the distribution of cheques: Rs4 million to High Court Bar President Malik Hidayat Malana, Rs2 million to District Bar Vice President Usman Ali, Rs1 million each to Tehsil Bar Association Pehwar President Muhammad Ismail Hani and General Secretary Abdul Hameed, and Rs0.8 million to Tehsil Bar Association Paharpur President Nizam Khan Salmankhel.