Peshawar  -  Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Sunday expressed deep anger and concern over the non-payment of salaries and pensions to teaching and administrative staff at several universities in the province.

In a statement, the Governor said that faculty members and pensioners from numerous universities, including the University of Peshawar, have not received their salaries and pensions.

He pointed out that many university employees have also been deprived of the additional salary and pension benefits announced by the government. Even during Eid, no relief was provided to them.

Governor Kundi criticized the provincial government, stating that while the Chief Minister claims Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the richest province, the reality paints a different picture, with universities facing severe budget deficits.

He further alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spends millions of rupees on its favoured election campaigns in Lahore, yet despite these massive expenditures, it continues to suffer defeats there.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, those associated with the crucial education sector—responsible for shaping the nation’s future—are facing severe mental distress and are being deprived of their fundamental rights, such as salaries and pensions. He reiterated that his consistent stance has been that the provincial government’s focus is not on the welfare of the people but solely on corruption.

The deteriorating performance of institutions in the province, he said, serves as clear evidence of this claim.

Governor extends Easter greetings, emphasizes tolerance

Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Sunday extended heartfelt Easter greetings to the Christian community across Pakistan.

In his message, the Governor described Easter as a celebration that carries a beautiful message of peace, love, brotherhood, and service to humanity.

Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized that Easter teaches lessons of social harmony, tolerance, and respect for one another’s beliefs—values that form the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous society.

He said that Pakistan is a beautiful cradle of diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities, where traditions of mutual respect and equality are upheld.He praised the Christian community’s exemplary contributions to the development of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and social services, noting that the entire nation holds their efforts in high esteem.

The Governor added that the Governor House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always kept its doors open for minorities, regularly organizing seminars on interfaith and inter-sectarian harmony.

He mentioned that upon assuming office, he met with leaders of various religious communities in Peshawar and visited their places of worship.

Governor Kundi stressed that it is a collective responsibility to promote religious tolerance, national unity, and brotherhood to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in the country.