PESHAWAR, 01 NOV (DNA) — Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said that sustainable peace was indispensable for the progress and prosperity of province, stressing that all segments of society must play their role in projecting a positive image of the province.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, addressing the Urs ceremony at Darbar-e-Aalia Murshad Abad Sharif here, emphasized the need for unity, lasting peace, development, promotion of sports, effective utilization of the province’s natural resources, and collective efforts to ensure the welfare and prosperity of the people.
The ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Adviser Tayab Qureshi and other participants. The Governor thanked the organizers for the invitation and warmly welcomed guests from outside the province.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had endured decades of terrorism and rendered immense sacrifices, with religious scholars, security personnel, politicians and innocent students, including the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS), laying down their lives for peace.
Governor Kundi said peace was the basic requirement for development, adding that the province was known for its resilience in the face of terrorism and was now determined to move towards lasting stability and progress.
Highlighting the province’s immense potential, he said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had produced outstanding sportspersons from Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu who had won international recognition. He stressed that the youth should be provided with opportunities to excel in sports and other fields.
The Governor said the province was blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, water resources, tourism potential and the Tarbela Dam, which could transform its economy if properly utilized.
Recalling Peshawar’s past reputation as the “City of Flowers,” he said collective efforts were needed to restore the province’s positive image. “The safety of our people comes first, followed by the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the progress of the country,” he remarked, expressing confidence that the province would witness significant positive change in the near future.
He said that religious scholars have a vital role to play in promoting peace, unity, and harmony across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the ulema should use their influence to spread the message of tolerance, discourage extremism, and support collective efforts for lasting peace in the province.
Governor Kundi congratulated newly graduated Huffaz, distributed certificates among them, visited the institution’s library and appreciated its educational services. On the occasion, he was presented with a traditional shawl as a mark of respect. — DNA
