Staff Report
HARIPUR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday said that Pakistan must take ownership of its challenges and find solutions through self-reliance. He emphasized that in response to recent Indian aggression, Pakistan not only delivered a robust military response but also secured significant victories on the diplomatic front.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony organized by the Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry to honor the Pakistan Armed Forces, Governor Kundi stated that India had faced failures on all fronts. He credited the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the effective representation of Pakistan’s stance at the international level, calling it a landmark moment for the country’s foreign diplomacy.
Governor Kundi said the recent episode of Indian hostility was a significant test for Pakistan, one that the armed forces answered with valor and decisiveness. He praised their courage and termed the collective success as both a military and diplomatic victory.
He also noted with pride that for the first time in the country’s history, a Pakistani Field Marshal was hosted by the President of the United States — an event he described as one of the biggest diplomatic accomplishments to date. He added that the entire Pakistani nation, as well as the broader Muslim world, stands proud of the country’s brave armed forces.
During his address, the governor also revealed that he had proposed to the federal government the issuance of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) cards to the families of martyrs from the armed forces, police, and Levies. The initiative, he said, would ensure that these families receive sustained financial assistance.
Praising the business community’s contribution to the economy, Kundi recognized traders as essential stakeholders in national development. He assured the attendees that the government was actively engaging with relevant authorities to address the business community’s ongoing challenges.
Turning to tourism, Governor Kundi described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a province rich in tourism potential, particularly in religious tourism. However, he pointed out that tragic incidents such as the recent Swat accident have discouraged both domestic and foreign tourists. He urged the provincial government to ensure proper facilities in tourist areas and implement effective safety measures to restore confidence among visitors.
Criticizing the lack of infrastructure development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor remarked that for the past 12 years, the province had seen nothing but political slogans. In light of the Swat tragedy, he called for the resignation of the Chief Minister, holding the provincial leadership accountable for the failure to protect tourists.
Governor Kundi concluded by reaffirming the need for practical action over rhetoric and emphasized the importance of national unity in addressing Pakistan’s internal and external challenges.
