Kundi seeks parliament session on K-P

He stressed the need for meaningful consultations between the federal and provincial governments, saying political leadership must sit together and find solutions to the problems confronting the province. Expressing concern over recent remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Kundi said such statements could promote provincialism and widen differences among federating units.

He urged the prime minister to advise Punjab's rulers to avoid statements that could create divisions among the provinces. The governor said K-P needed to present a stronger case for its rights over its natural resources.

Electricity, oil, gas and water produced in the province were being utilised, he said, but the province's legitimate rights and share of resources should also be taken up with equal seriousness. Kundi said legal proceedings were being pursued over the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the province's financial rights.

He also urged the provincial government to prepare a comprehensive case regarding its resources and constitutional rights, adding that he was ready to work with the provincial authorities in talks with the federal government.

He said the prime minister was on the driving seat and should convene meetings of the Apex Committee and federal cabinet and hold consultations with K-P's political leadership to devise a joint strategy for addressing the province's challenges.

The governor also called for a joint sitting of Parliament to enable detailed debate on the issues of K-P and Balochistan at the national level. He said K-P had the country's largest youth population and abundant talent, but young people needed better opportunities and facilities to realise their potential.

He regretted that the provincial government was not paying sufficient attention to preparing an effective case for the province's rights and resources. Earlier, Kundi visited the PCSIR Laboratories Complex, where Director General Sohail Amir Marwat briefed him on the organisation's establishment, services, centres, ongoing PSDP projects and future plans.

The DG also briefed the governor about the performance of the Medical Botanical, Materials Science, Food Technology, Calibration, Engineering Services and Dimension Stone centres.