Rules out the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the State
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi speaks to the media on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the imposition of governor’s rule depends on the performance of the provincial government, adding that if the provincial administration cooperates effectively with federal and state institutions, there would be no need for such a step.
Speaking to the media, the governor said that if the provincial government supports federal and state institutions adequately, the federal government would have no justification to impose the governor’s rule.
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Kundi categorically rejected the possibility of talks with groups that have taken up arms against the State. “We will not dialogue for even a minute with those who oppose the state, who do not accept the Constitution and laws of Pakistan and who are responsible for the martyrdom of our children and security personnel,” he said.
Referring to attacks on security facilities, he said, such elements were involved in attacks on cadet schools, FC headquarters, police schools, military convoys and police personnel.
The governor stressed that the provincial government must work in coordination with state institutions to maintain law and order and collaborate with the federal government on outstanding issues, including royalty payments owed to the province.
He added that peace and stability were essential for prosperity and development. “If discussions are taking place on these issues, why would the governor’s rule be imposed?” he questioned.
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However, he warned against allowing Afghan refugees to remain unregulated. “If it is decided that the Afghan refugees will not be returned and they continue to stay while conditions deteriorate, suicide attacks occur and our people are martyred – and yet talks are held with them and offices are provided – then the situation may worsen,” he said.
The governor asked: “Have you ever heard of any country where a Pakistani citizen can live without a visa? Such people are deported or imprisoned.”
Kundi said millions of Afghans who had lived in Pakistan for 40 years should return to their homeland and re-enter legally. “It is not acceptable to roam freely in Pakistan without a visa,” adding that Pakistan will adhere to international treaties that allow residing in a country only with a valid visa.
Commenting on the 14-year sentence imposed on former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, the governor called it “a good step”. “Every institution has good and bad people,” he said, adding that accountability must apply to everyone. “Whether politicians, judges or members of the armed forces, until there is a proper system of accountability and punishment, things cannot improve.”
Responding to a question about negotiations with PTI, he said: “It is good that PTI has now remembered that dialogue must also take place.” He recalled that when the PTI was previously asked to engage in talks or agree on a Democracy Charter or an Economy Charter, they refused. “They used to say they didn’t want to shake hands and considered sitting together an insult,” he said.
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He further said that there had been no formal contact between the Pakistan People’s Party and the PTI so far. “If contact is established, the party leadership will decide what needs to be done,” he said.
Kundi, however, expressed reservations about PTI’s approach. “I think they’ve laid the wrong foundation,” he said. “If talks are based on a negative PML-N formula… how can meaningful dialogue take place?” he concluded.
