Kurram situation: Governor blasts Centre, provincial govt’s apathy

PESHAWAR: Criticizing the Centre and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s apathy, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday asked the provincial government to step down if it cannot fulfill its responsibilities of restoring peace and providing basic necessities to the people in Kurram district.

He was talking to reporters after addressing the 8th convocation of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University as the chief guest.“Kurram is burning. What are the provincial and federal governments doing?” the governor said. He expressed grave concern over the recent deaths of 30 children due to the unavailability of essential medicines. “Who should be held accountable for this? Should the FIR be lodged against the federal government or the provincial government?” he questioned, lamenting the loss of young lives.

Governor Kundi criticised the treatment of the Pashtun community, stating, “Are Pashtuns only meant to die? What is the federal government doing? What is the provincial government doing,” he went on to add. Earlier, at the convocation some 471 female students received degrees in various disciplines. The governor awarded gold medals to 66 top-performing graduates, acknowledging their outstanding academic achievements.

He congratulated the graduates on reaching a significant milestone in their educational journeys. “It is an honor for me to address the educated women of this province. Seeing such a large number of educated women from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fills my heart with joy,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of education, particularly for women, as a means to empower the country. “Our mission is to provide young leadership to the nation through quality education and skills,” he remarked, urging for educational policies that prioritize women’s education and ensure their participation in all fields.

Governor Kundi reiterated that education is the best investment for the future, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, and modern skills into the educational system. “The participation of women in decision-making processes and the protection of their dignity and respect are the need of the hour,” he stated.

The convocation was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Safia Ahmad, faculty members, students, and their families. Dr. Safia presented a detailed report on the university’s performance and achievements to the Governor, who congratulated the students, parents, and faculty for their collective efforts in promoting higher education.The governor reiterated Pakistan People’s Party’s commitment to higher education and encouraged everyone to prepare the youth for future challenges through quality education.