Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted the media’s role in nation-building and strengthening democratic values, while warning that the spread of misinformation poses growing challenges to journalism.

Addressing a Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) delegation, Kundi praised its contributions to responsible journalism and national development. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by journalists in the province during the war on terrorism and said measures were being taken to address their financial difficulties, security concerns and professional challenges. He also welcomed constructive proposals from the media community.

Governor Kundi also discussed the province’s pressing security challenges, particularly terrorism. He emphasised that restoring peace and maintaining law and order were the government’s top priorities, with development initiatives to follow. He said the federal government had allocated funds to combat terrorism and that all political parties would be engaged in efforts to achieve peace and stability.

Kundi also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approving Rs 160 billion in development funds for the province, stressing the need for coordination between federal and provincial governments. He announced improvements in facilities for the KP Police, including salary increases to bring them in line with other provinces, and the establishment of a cadet college for children of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The governor also discussed initiatives to promote tourism, attract investment and prioritise local companies in mineral contracts. He expressed concern over illegal mineral extraction in Kohat’s Shakardara area and the environmental impact of excessive tree felling.