Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly opposed the renaming of Arbab Niaz Stadium, calling it an inappropriate decision that disrespects the people of the province.
In a statement, Governor Kundi condemned the move, asserting that naming the stadium after someone who “surrendered the province to terrorists” was an insult to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s citizens. He accused the Chief Minister of attempting to erase the province’s identity and stated that dedicating the stadium to a controversial figure linked to the May 9 incidents was akin to empowering anti-state elements.
Governor Kundi emphasised that the people of Peshawar are firmly against the name change and will not accept such alterations to their historical landmarks.
Additionally, he criticised the PTI government, stating that despite holding power for nine years, they failed to renovate and restore Arbab Niaz Stadium. In contrast, he praised the federal government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for swiftly upgrading stadiums in Lahore and Karachi, highlighting their commitment to sports development.
