Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that legalizing opium cultivation is not within the purview of the provincial government, calling it a federal subject. Speaking to the media, the governor said that even if the province wanted to, it could not declare opium cultivation legal, warning that laws could be introduced tomorrow to give legal cover to smuggling and other illegal activities if such a precedent were set. Governor Kundi said he recently met Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Karachi where they discussed the political situation in KP and organizational issues of the party. He added that a party committee will soon visit the province to review the organizational structure. Criticizing the PTI-led provincial government, the governor said the party and the provincial administration seemed to be "operating from Adiala," alleging that former Prime Minister Imran Khan should be transferred from Punjab to another province. He accused the previous chief minister of promoting abusive policies and failing to achieve anything significant for the province, adding that the current situation had severely damaged the health and education sectors. The governor stressed that the rights of the province can only be guaranteed through collective efforts. "I have offered that we jointly approach the federation to demand due rights for the province, but the provincial government’s only priority seems to be the release of its founding president," said. On the issue of the governor’s government, Faisal Karim Kundi said it depended entirely on the conduct of the provincial government. "If the governor’s rule is imposed, no one will even be able to reach the Governor’s House. We are not just making statements; We prove things through action," he warned. He further said that if the policy of confrontation continues, the law will take its course, adding that the Constitution clearly defines the procedure and grounds for the imposition of the governor’s rule. Meanwhile, Kundi has urged young graduates to prepare for the challenges of professional life, emphasizing that academic success is the result of students’ tireless hard work. He added that educated youth, with confidence and dedication, can leave their mark in their respective fields and bring honor to the nation. The Governor expressed these views while addressing the 10th convocation of Gandhara University in Peshawar as chief guest on Wednesday.
KP cannot legalize poppy cultivation: Governor Kundi
