ISLAMABAD:Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday called for peace, prosperity and development in the province instead of carrying coffins, while addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the 2nd Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival 2026 at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made great sacrifices during years of terrorism and unrest and now deserved a peaceful and bright future.
We have carried coffins, but now the time for carrying coffins is over. Now is the time for prosperity, development, peace and a bright future in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said.
The governor said the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had great talent, energy and skills and could play an important role in the development of both the province and the country.
Kundi regretted that in the past, young people were pushed towards sit-ins and protest politics instead of being encouraged to take part in positive and healthy activities.
He said the priority should be to provide young people with opportunities to use their skills and abilities for a better future.
Kundi said the energy, creativity and professional skills of young people could help strengthen the economy and bring social and economic progress.
He stressed the need to provide more opportunities to the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in sports, tourism and other fields so they could prove their abilities.
The governor Kundi said tourism, sports, cultural and family festivals should also be organised in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to promote its culture, natural beauty and tourism potential.
Kundi requested Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism and National Coordinator, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, who is also Chief Executive of Centaurus Group, to organise similar festivals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the future.
Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was known for its hospitality, culture, natural beauty and traditions, adding that the province had great potential for tourism and economic activities.
The governor, Kundi, said such festivals could help present a positive image of the province, attract tourists and provide young people with opportunities to take part in sports and cultural activities.
He appreciated the organisers for holding the festival and said such events played an important role in promoting Pakistan’s tourism potential, cultural diversity and national unity.
Kundi said bringing young people together through healthy activities would help them develop their skills and contribute to the country’s progress.
The governor Kundi assured that every possible support and encouragement would be provided to the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to help them move forward and play their role in national development.
On the occasion, Kundi distributed awards, shields and appreciation certificates among organisers, participants and individuals who made important contributions to the festival.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism and National Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, along with other dignitaries, organisers and people from different walks of life, attended the ceremony.