The inaugural meeting of the newly constituted Advisory Council of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held in Peshawar today, with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in the chair.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor expressed his resolve to restore peace, security, stability, and progress in the province.

Faisal Karim Kundi congratulated the members of the Advisory Council and assured them of his full support in their efforts to work for the development and welfare of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He stressed that restoration of law and order and the elimination of terrorism are the top priorities for the province.

The Governor said peace is essential for development, investment, and prosperity.

He emphasized zero tolerance for corruption and directed strict follow-up to ensure that decisions are implemented within established timelines. 

Faisal Karim Kundi urged the Council members to deliver tangible results and demonstrate a clear difference through their performance, saying the State, the Federation, and the people have placed their trust in them.

Highlighting the hardships faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to terrorism, he said there could be no compromise on restoring peace.

The Governor assured full support to police, the army, and other law enforcement agencies for the elimination of terrorism and maintaining law and order in the province.

He also directed the adoption of successful practices of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan to ensure good governance, stressing that good initiatives should be replicated regardless of the province where they originated.

The Governor said peace would help change the province's image, attract tourists and investors, and unlock its vast potential in oil and gas, minerals, water, electricity, and tourism.

Reaffirming his full support to the Advisory Council, Faisal Karim Kundi urged its members to work round the clock to ensure progress and prosperity in the province and fulfil the expectations of the people.  

In his message on the occasion, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor reaffirmed the resolve to steer the province back towards peace, security, stability, and progress.

Addressing the brave, patriotic, and proud people of the province, the Governor said he better understands the province's challenges, as well as the aspirations of the people.

He said in view of the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, certain necessary measures have been taken under the Constitution.

He said the time has come that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be given their right to live in peace.

Faisal Karim Kundi said strengthening the writ of the state and eradicating terrorism from the province is the government's priority.

He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve peace after making immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

The Governor said the people of the province have paid a huge price for terrorism, with police personnel, army soldiers, Levies personnel, government employees, religious scholars, teachers, traders, and innocent citizens having sacrificed their lives.

He said Pakhtuns are not terrorists; rather, they are the victims of terrorism. He stressed that the state's fight is against terrorism, its mindset, networks, and the environment that enabled it to thrive.

The Governor said his foremost priority will be peace and public protection through effective and coordinated action against terrorism.

He said the capacity of police and the Counter-Terrorism Department will be enhanced through improved resources, training, modern technology, and intelligence support.

He assured that the state will stand behind its police personnel and will not leave the families of police martyrs alone.

Faisal Karim Kundi said another key priority is to strengthen the writ of the state in disturbed districts and these areas will be given greater attention in education, healthcare, employment, roads, electricity, water, and administrative services.

He said public service delivery will remain a major priority, with a focus on improving government hospitals, schools, roads, municipal facilities, and access to healthcare, education, employment, justice, and other basic services.

The Governor emphasized that the administration must serve the people. He said the government will also focus on dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism, including its financial support, recruitment channels, extremist networks, illegal arms, narcotics trade, and other mechanisms that facilitate terrorist activities.

He stressed that effective implementation of the National Action Plan and other counter-terrorism measures will remain a priority, adding that the law will take its course against all those involved in or facilitating terrorism, without targeting any particular nation, language, region, or political affiliation.

Addressing the youth, Faisal Karim Kundi said the state will provide them with education, skills, and opportunities rather than allow their future to be overshadowed by terrorism and violence.

He also paid tribute to the families of those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism, particularly the mothers who have lost their sons. He said their sacrifices must be transformed into lasting peace, stability, and a better future.

The Governor clarified that the extraordinary administrative measures are not aimed against any political party, individual, or specific class, but are intended to strengthen state institutions, restore the writ of the state, eliminate terrorism, and facilitate the public.

He assured the people that their fundamental rights will be respected and all state actions will be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Calling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the land of brave soldiers, police martyrs, scholars, teachers, professionals, and hardworking citizens, Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his resolve to transform the province into a safe, stable, and prosperous region offering peace, progress, and opportunities to its people.

He urged citizens to report suspicious activities and incidents of terrorism to the relevant authorities, support the police, and stand united for the province's peaceful future.

The Governor expressed confidence that, despite the immense challenges, peace will return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the writ of the state will be strengthened, and the future of its youth will be secure and bright.