Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has called for a collective effort to safeguard the province’s constitutional rights over its natural resources, arguing that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has yet to receive its due share despite its significant contribution to the country’s energy sector. Addressing an induction ceremony of the Peoples’ Lawyers Forum (PLF) at Governor House, the Governor welcomed 70 newly enrolled lawyers, including 14 women, and praised the organisation’s membership drive.
The event was attended by Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, PLF President Gohar Rehman Advocate, Senior Vice-President Ejaz Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council member Khizar Hayat, General Secretary Lajbar Khan Advocate, senior members of the legal fraternity and PPP leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kundi said successive provincial governments had failed to effectively present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s case before the federation despite the province’s substantial contribution to national energy production. According to the Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces approximately 508 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) against a provincial requirement of around 180 MMCFD. He maintained that the Constitution grants provinces the primary right over resources produced within their territories.
Referring to the issue of compressed natural gas (CNG) supplies, Mr Kundi said he had raised the matter with the Chief Minister, following which the provincial assembly unanimously supported efforts to secure the province’s share. He claimed that the federal government subsequently restored CNG supplies within 48 hours. The Governor further stated that although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributes significantly to electricity generation, many areas of the province continue to experience prolonged power outages. He urged political leaders, elected representatives and civil society to work together to protect the province’s constitutional and economic interests.
Meanwhile, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi announced that 29 new Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs) will be established across the province to improve public access to essential government services. Chairing a high-level meeting at the Governor House, he said the initiative would help deliver multiple public services under one roof and bring administrative facilities closer to citizens. The meeting was attended by Director General Health Dr Shahin Afridi, Director General NADRA Khalid Inayatullah, Economic Affairs Division CCFSD Programme Manager Waseem Shirazi, and other senior officials.
Officials briefed the meeting that each Citizen Facilitation Centre would provide 26 essential services, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays and enhancing public access to government departments. It was further informed that under the programme, mothers of newborn children would receive healthcare support, nutrition assistance, awareness sessions and financial aid exceeding Rs15,000 over a period of up to two years. The Governor directed that priority be given to establishing the centres in densely populated areas to maximise public benefit.
He said that in Dera Ismail Khan, new centres would be inaugurated in Panyala, Chodhwan, Landa Sharif and Yarik, while in Tank district they would be set up in Gomal Bazar, Dabara, Ranwal and Ama Khel. He added that similar facilitation centres would be expanded to other major villages in the next phase. Mr Kundi also directed that the existing CFC-II in Dera Ismail Khan city be relocated to a more populated area to improve accessibility for citizens. He further announced that a dedicated NADRA office building in Dera Ismail Khan would soon be inaugurated to strengthen identity registration services in the region. The Governor said the establishment of CFCs reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that basic public services are delivered efficiently at citizens’ doorstep.
