First governors’ summit held in Karachi to strengthen harmony among provinces

The first-ever historic governors’ summit was convened at the Governor House in Karachi under the chairmanship of Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori.

The summit was attended by Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffer Khan Mandokhail, and Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah.

The summit featured discussions and consultations on the roles and powers of governors. Expressing gratitude to the attending governors for their presence, Tessori stated, “It is an honour to host this landmark event. The participation of all governors has added great value to this initiative.”

During the summit, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffer Khan Mandokhail emphasized the need to enhance the constitutional role of governors, calling it the need of the hour. Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah expressed his appreciation for the Sindh governor's initiative, stating, “Thank you for hosting this summit. Together, we will work towards common goals.”

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted the importance of fostering inter-provincial communication, calling it essential for national unity. Following the summit, Governor Tessori, accompanied by the other governors, addressed the media, declaring the event a historic milestone. “Today, politics took a backseat, and the state came forward. Governors from different political affiliations have united under one roof. We all stand firmly with the Constitution and the state,” he said.

He elaborated that the summit aimed to strengthen harmony among provinces. “Governors are constitutional representatives, and the Constitution is designed to serve the people. It is imperative for us to utilize our roles and powers to better serve the public,” he added.

When asked about future plans, Tessori hinted at organizing an International Governors’ Summit, adding, “Pakistan faces numerous challenges, and governors can play a significant role in addressing them.”

Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan commended Tessori for hosting the summit, remarking, “By organizing this summit, Governor Sindh has set a new benchmark. The next governors’ summit will be held in Lahore, with participation from former and current governors.”

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed a desire to contribute to the country’s economic development, while Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffer Khan Mandokhail noted that such summits could help resolve pressing issues. He highlighted the crucial role governors play in bridging the provinces and the federal government.

Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah extended his support to Tessori, stating, “We stand with you as you lead the way forward.”

Separately, speaking at a press conference at the press club, Governor Kundi has said that an ineligible and incompetent person has been ruling in the KP province. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been afflicted by the worsened law and order situation as the chief minister couldn’t control the situation in his province.

Kundi said the KP CM was only concerned about freeing the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from imprisonment. Answering a question, he opined that imposing governor’s rule wasn’t a democratic process. “We are ready to hold talks with anyone for the sake of peace,” said Kundi.

“Everyone knows the situation in KPK. Earlier, it was termed a province of flowers but now it has been afflicted with lawlessness.” He lamented that the provincial government was indifferent to the prevailing situation in the province.

He told media persons that an alarming situation had been prevailing in the Kurram area, but the provincial government was least concerned about the issue.

He opined that the provincial police force in KP didn’t have the arms required to fight terrorists. Kundi recalled that the KP government used to demand that the army should be withdrawn from the province.