PESHAWAR, JAN 16 (DNA): Tensions flared during a high-level meeting in Peshawar, attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur exchanged harsh words, according to sources.
The sources told media on Thursday that the dispute began when the governor mentioned the allocation of Rs500 billion from the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.
The sources said the governor accused the chief minister of making misleading statements. In response, the provincial chief executive walked out of the meeting, declaring that the governor was lying.
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Asfandyar Wali reportedly made a remark in the midst of the tension, saying: “Let it go, this one is just a child.”
However, after a brief period, Gandapur returned to the meeting.
During the heated exchange, the governor also raised concerns about the use of funds received from the federal government for counter-terrorism efforts in the province, questioning why the police and the CTD (Counter-Terrorism Department) had not been strengthened despite the large sums of money allocated.
The governor further said that KP received Rs500 billion under the NFC for counter-terrorism efforts.
When media asked Governor Kundi whether his meeting with the chief minister was pleasant, he responded: “You have received incorrect information.”
The heated exchange occurred during COAS Munir’s visit to Peshawar, where he met top provincial political leaders and emphasised: “If there is a state, there is politics. God forbid, without a state, there is nothing.”
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