News Desk
Peshawar, 14 June 2024:
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has announced that the festivals of religious minorities will be celebrated at the Governor’s House. He emphasized the significant role that religious minorities have played in enhancing Pakistan’s prestige and acknowledged their contributions in various high-ranking positions across the country.
During a meeting at the Governor’s House in Peshawar with a delegation of religious leaders and dignitaries representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Christian, Hindu, Parsi, Sikh, and other minority communities, Kundi assured them of his support. Key figures present at the meeting included PPP Secretary of Finance and Coordination Farzand Ali Wazir, Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz of the Church of Pakistan, Bishop Ernest Jacob, PPP President Naseeb Chan, Dr. Savera Prakash, and People’s Party KP’s General Secretary Yasir Bhatti, among others.
Governor Kundi highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) commitment to prioritizing religious minorities and women, noting the party’s leading role in increasing seats in the Senate and advocating for minority rights in the National Assembly. He expressed gratitude to his party for entrusting him with his position and vowed to live up to their expectations. He reaffirmed his role as a governor for all parties, acknowledging past issues faced by minorities in Pakistan and committing to addressing their concerns to prevent disappointment.
Kundi also mentioned the PPP’s significant contributions to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including granting him the governorship and the leadership of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He acknowledged the presence of representatives from various political parties in the minority delegation.
Discussing regional issues, Kundi pointed out that half of Pakistan’s cricket team hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yet the Arbab Niaz Stadium has remained deserted for 15 years, with no first-class cricket played there. He assured the delegation that minorities would not be neglected and that quotas in educational institutions would be considered. The matter of twenty marks will be raised in the Assembly.
Governor Kundi invited the delegation to share their joys and sorrows with him and promised to address their issues with NADRA and other departments, as well as resolving problems related to Nishan Ghat. He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of educational institutions in the province, including Edwardes College, stressing the need for attention.
The religious minority representatives expressed pride in Kundi’s appointment as governor and sought his support and guidance in addressing their identity and issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They emphasized the importance of fostering religious harmony and love, pledging their continued contributions to the country and commitment to solving mutual problems through dialogue.