Peshawar – Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday chaired a meeting at the Governor House to review law and order and security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, with a special focus on Dera Ismail Khan. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi. Commissioner Dera, Regional Police Officer Dera, Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan and District Police Officer Dera Ismail Khan joined the meeting online, while other senior officials also participated. The participants were given a detailed briefing on the security plan for Muharram in Dera Ismail Khan.
Governor’s Directives on Muharram Security
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Kundi said the federal government and security institutions stood with the provincial government in ensuring peace and maintaining law and order during Muharram. He stressed the need for effective coordination with federal institutions, particularly WAPDA and PTCL, to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and communication services along procession routes during night hours. The Governor said additional FC personnel would be provided in line with the provincial government’s requirements. He also directed the provincial government to coordinate with the Punjab government to strengthen inter-provincial cooperation for security arrangements.
Engagement with Elected Representatives
Governor Kundi instructed that elected public representatives should be taken into confidence during Muharram preparations and security planning. He said he would personally contact WAPDA and PTCL authorities at the federal level to ensure full cooperation with the Dera Ismail Khan administration, particularly during night processions. The Governor added that he would also take up the matter with the Federal Interior Minister regarding the provision of additional FC personnel and modern security equipment to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram.
Separate Meeting on Gas Supply
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday also called for improved gas supply across the province, urging authorities to facilitate industrial investment, resolve public complaints promptly and ensure that gas-producing areas receive direct benefits from local resources. He was chairing a high-level meeting on gas supply and public service delivery attended by Managing Director of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Aamir Tufail and other senior officials.
Review of Gas Supply to Industries and Consumers
The meeting reviewed gas supply to industries, CNG stations and domestic consumers besides discussing key issues facing the energy sector in the province. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi was also present. The Governor was informed that 40 MMCFD of gas had been allocated for the Rashakai Industrial Zone and that dedicated gas pipelines were being developed to ensure uninterrupted supply to industrial zones and estates where sufficient gas reserves were available.
Focus on Industrial Growth and Consumer Complaints
Kundi stressed the need to attract fertilizer companies and other industries to invest in the province, saying the availability of gas would boost industrial growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic activity. He also called for resolving issues faced by the CNG sector and directed authorities to ensure the supply of 35 MMCFD of gas to CNG stations while addressing consumers’ complaints without delay. The Governor said people living in gas-producing areas should directly benefit from the natural resource. He directed officials to examine the feasibility of supplying gas from the Kot Palak gas field to the nearby Daraban tehsil of DI Khan. He further emphasized giving priority to local residents in employment under the Kot Palak project and ensuring cooperation of local communities for the security of gas pipelines.
Infrastructure Improvements and Royalty Utilization
The meeting also discussed the establishment of an SNGPL sub-office in Dera Ismail Khan. Faisal Kundi directed officials to expedite the replacement of old and worn-out gas pipelines and complete the Korai gas project at the earliest. The meeting also underscored the need to fully implement the decision to spend 50 percent of gas royalty on improving gas infrastructure so that people in gas-producing areas could benefit from better facilities.
