Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over remarks attributed to party leader Junaid Akbar about turning Islamabad into “ruins”, accusing the opposition group of promoting confrontation and political violence.
Kundi said such statements were irresponsible at a time when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing security, economic and governance challenges. His remarks came as PTI prepares for a planned protest in Islamabad on Sept. 27.
In a statement, Kundi said PTI should reconsider its political approach and accused the party of repeatedly adopting rhetoric centred on confrontation with state institutions.
He said the party’s political messaging had contributed to an increasingly tense environment, while residents of KP were dealing with the effects of terrorism, economic difficulties and shortcomings in public governance.
Kundi also challenged PTI leaders to return to the province and address the issues facing the people they represent.
The governor’s comments followed remarks by Junaid Akbar, PTI’s president in KP, who said the party would proceed towards Islamabad through several routes.
Akbar said PTI workers would use the motorway and Grand Trunk Road and could also approach the capital from areas around the Margalla Hills and Dera Ismail Khan.
He also referred to PTI’s previous protest and said the party would not remain silent if its workers were killed during the upcoming mobilisation.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said peaceful protesters would be allowed to enter Islamabad but warned that authorities would act against anyone involved in unlawful activity or actions threatening lives and property.
Chaudhry said the government would implement Islamabad High Court orders concerning the planned protest.
The political dispute comes as tensions remain high between the federal government and PTI over the party’s planned mobilisation, with both sides issuing increasingly firm statements ahead of the Sept. 27 protest.
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