Centre Failing KP, Says Governor Kundi
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the federal government is failing to provide the province the support it deserves. He said that ignoring Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa must be brought to an end without further delay.
Kundi was addressing the annual conference of the Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons in Peshawar on Sunday. He said that practical steps were required to improve the province’s health sector on the pattern of Punjab and Sindh.
Medical conferences, he said, provided an important platform for the promotion of knowledge, research, exchange of experiences and awareness about modern treatment methods, according to a statement from his office.
Health services beyond the big cities
The governor stressed the need for quality and specialised healthcare services in merged districts, southern districts and far-flung areas of the province. He said that modern treatment facilities should not remain limited to big cities, and that every citizen must have equal access to healthcare.
He said that improvement of health infrastructure, provision of modern medical equipment, doctors’ training and promotion of medical research were essential for strengthening the healthcare system. Professional organisations like the urological surgeons’ association, he added, could play a vital role in enhancing doctors’ capacity, training young medical experts and developing collaboration with public sector hospitals.
Kundi also said that the Rs70,000 monthly salary of house officers was insufficient, and that it would be reviewed. For young doctors at the start of their careers, that review is the most concrete point in the speech, since it touches their pay directly rather than speaking only in general terms about the health system.
Peace, image and the province’s resources
During his address at Darbar-i-Aalia Murshadabad Sharif in Peshawar, the governor said that lasting peace was essential for the province’s progress and prosperity. He stressed the need for collective contribution from all segments of society for promoting a positive image of the province.
He said that religious scholars had a vital role to play in promoting peace, unity and harmony across the province, and that ulema should use their influence to spread the message of tolerance, discourage extremism and support collective efforts for lasting peace.
In a statement from his office, the governor emphasised the need for unity, lasting peace, development, promotion of sports, effective use of the province’s natural resources and collective efforts to ensure the welfare and prosperity of the people. He said the province was blessed with abundant natural resources including oil, gas, water resources, tourism potential and the Tarbela Dam, which could transform its economy if properly used.
The ceremony was attended by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the governor’s adviser Tayab Qureshi and others, according to the official statement. Kundi congratulated newly graduated Huffaz, distributed certificates among them, visited the institution’s library and appreciated its services in education.
He said the province had endured decades of terrorism and rendered immense sacrifices, with religious scholars, security personnel, politicians and innocent students, including the martyrs of Army Public School, laying down their lives for peace. Peace, he said, was the basic requirement for development.
Feature Pakistan reported on 1 November that Kundi had said the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have the first right to the province’s resources. His latest remarks shift the focus from resources to services: health facilities in far-flung districts, training for doctors, and pay for house officers. The test of both speeches will be the same, whether statements in Peshawar turn into changes that residents of merged and southern districts can feel.
Frequently asked questions
What did Governor Kundi say about the Centre?
He said the federal government is failing to provide Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa the support it deserves, and that ignoring the province must end without further delay.
Where did he make the remarks?
At the annual conference of the Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons in Peshawar on Sunday, and at Darbar-i-Aalia Murshadabad Sharif in the city.
What did he say about health services?
He called for quality and specialised services in merged districts, southern districts and far-flung areas, so that modern treatment is not limited to big cities.
What did he say about house officers’ pay?
He said the Rs70,000 monthly salary of house officers was insufficient and would be reviewed.
What did he say about peace?
He said lasting peace was essential for the province’s progress, and that all segments of society must contribute to promoting a positive image of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
