Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said legalization of opium cultivation was not within the jurisdiction of the provincial government, terming 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 tomorrow laws could be introduced to give legal cover to smuggling and other illegal activities if such a precedent was set. Governor Kundi said he recently met Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Karachi where they discussed the political situation in KP and organizational matters of the party. He added that a party committee would soon visit the province to review the organizational structure. Criticizing the PTI-led provincial government, the governor said the party and the provincial administration appeared to be "operating from Adiala," alleging that former Prime Minister Imran Khan should be transferred from Punjab to another province. He accused the former chief minister of promoting abusive politics and failing to deliver anything meaningful for the province, adding that the current situation had seriously damaged the health and education sectors. The governor stressed that the rights of the province could only be guaranteed through collective efforts. "I proposed that we jointly contact the federation to demand the rights of the province, but the only priority of the provincial government seems to be the release of its founding president," he said. Regarding the issue of the governor’s rule, Faisal Karim Kundi said that it entirely depends 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 don’t just make statements; we prove things through action," he warned. He added that if the policy of confrontation continued, the law would take its course, adding that the Constitution clearly defines the procedure and grounds for the imposition of the governor’s power. Furthermore, Kundi urged young graduates to equip themselves to meet the challenges of professional life, stressing that academic success is the result of the hard and incessant work of students. He added that educated youth, with confidence and dedication, can make 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 on Wednesday as the chief guest.
KP cannot legalize poppy cultivation: Governor Kundi
