Faisal Karim Kundi, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, has made significant contributions over the years through various leadership roles. He is currently serving as the 35th Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a position he assumed on May 4, 2024. Over the years, Kundi has held several key positions, including Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. Despite facing multiple electoral defeats, he has remained a persistent and influential leader. This article takes an in-depth look at his personal life, early career, and political journey, alongside the controversies surrounding him.
Early Life and Education
Faisal Karim Kundi is a Pakistani Politician, was elected from Dera Ismail Khan, KPK constituency & served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. He is the Youngest Deputy Speaker of National Assembly to hold this position. Born on May 24, 1975, Faisal Karim Kundi hails from a politically active family. His father, Fazal Karim Kundi, was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, which influenced Faisal’s early interest in politics. Kundi received his early education at St. Peter’s High School in Karachi and later completed his matriculation from St. Helen’s High School in Dera Ismail Khan. His academic journey continued with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Punjab, followed by an LLB degree from Thames Valley College in the United Kingdom in 2002. This diverse educational background provided him with a strong foundation for his future political career.
Political Career Beginnings
Faisal Karim Kundi entered the political arena in 2001, following his return to Pakistan after completing his education. His first attempt at winning a seat in the National Assembly came in 2002 when he contested from Constituency NA-24 (Dera Ismail Khan) as a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate. Despite garnering 36,891 votes, Kundi lost to Fazal-ur-Rehman of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), who secured 43,124 votes. This initial defeat did not deter him, as he continued to pursue his political ambitions.
Becoming Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
In the 2008 Pakistani general election, Kundi contested once again from the same constituency, NA-24 (Dera Ismail Khan), this time securing a decisive victory with 83,560 votes. His opponent, Fazal-ur-Rehman, only managed to obtain 45,990 votes. Following this victory, Kundi’s political career took a significant leap when he was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan on March 19, 2008. He received 246 votes, significantly surpassing his competitor, Khushbakht Shujaat of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who received only 68 votes. At just 33 years old, Kundi became the youngest Deputy Speaker in Pakistan’s history, marking a milestone in his career.
Challenges in the 2013 General Election
In the 2013 general election, Kundi’s political journey faced numerous setbacks. He contested for the National Assembly from two constituencies: NA-24 (Dera Ismail Khan) as an independent candidate and NA-25 (Dera Ismail Khan-cum-Tank) as a PPP candidate. Unfortunately, he lost in both constituencies to Fazal-ur-Rehman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F). In NA-24, he received only 230 votes, while Rehman secured 92,395 votes. Similarly, in NA-25, Kundi garnered 46,262 votes but again lost to Rehman, who received 77,595 votes. Kundi also ran for a seat in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Constituency PK-66 (Dera Ismail Khan-III) but managed only 98 votes. These multiple electoral defeats were attributed to Kundi’s inability to deliver on promises during his previous term.
Continued Political Efforts and By-Election Defeats
Following his defeat in the 2013 elections, Kundi contested in a by-election for NA-25 (Dera Ismail Khan-cum-Tank) as a PPP candidate in September 2013. Unfortunately, he faced another defeat, securing only 358 votes, while Dawar Khan Kundi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won with 73,754 votes. Despite these setbacks, Kundi continued to hold important roles within the PPP. In July 2015, he was appointed as the Information Secretary of the party, marking another step forward in his political career.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister
Faisal Karim Kundi political journey saw another shift in 2018, when he contested for the National Assembly from three constituencies: NA-37 (Tank), NA-38 (Dera Ismail Khan-1), and NA-39 (Dera Ismail Khan-2). However, he suffered defeats in all three. In NA-37, he received only 134 votes, losing to Asad Mehmood of MMA, who garnered 28,563 votes. In NA-38, Kundi secured 20,681 votes but was defeated by Ali Amin Gandapur of PTI, who received 81,032 votes. In NA-39, he garnered just 271 votes, losing to Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh of PTI. His unsuccessful attempts extended to the Provincial Assembly, where he ran from two constituencies, PK-94 (Tank) and PK-96 (Dera Ismail Khan-2), but again faced defeat.
Despite these electoral losses, Kundi’s influence within the PPP remained strong. In January 2021, he was re-elected unopposed as the Secretary of Information for the PPP. His hard work and dedication were further recognized in September 2022, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed him as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, with responsibilities in the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division. Kundi held this position until August 2023, playing a crucial role in addressing poverty-related issues in Pakistan.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In the 2024 Pakistani general election, Kundi once again contested for a seat in the National Assembly from constituency NA-44 (Dera Ismail Khan-I) as a PPP candidate. However, he was defeated by Ali Amin Khan Gandapur of PTI, who received 93,443 votes, while Kundi secured 35,567 votes. Despite this defeat, Kundi’s political career took a significant turn when the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formed a coalition government. As part of their power-sharing deal, Kundi was appointed the 35th Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 4, 2024, with the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Faisal Karim Kundi political journey has not been without controversy. In 2012, hundreds of activists from Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts protested against Kundi, accusing him of corruption involving development funds. They called for an inquiry by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into Kundi Construction Company, alleging that Kundi and his brother Ahmad Kundi had mishandled aid meant for flood victims in the region. Further accusations of corruption surfaced in 2016, when NAB launched an investigation into Kundi’s allocation of a plot for a cinema in Islamabad during his tenure as Deputy Speaker.
Conclusion
Faisal Karim Kundi political career has been marked by both successes and challenges. Despite numerous electoral defeats, he has held significant positions within the PPP and the Pakistani government, including serving as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. His appointment as the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024 is a testament to his resilience and persistence in the face of adversity. However, Kundi’s political journey has also been clouded by controversies and corruption allegations, which continue to follow him. As he moves forward in his role as Governor, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the challenges ahead and contribute to the future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan as a whole.
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