PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced several positive developments for the people of the province.
Speaking to the media following the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, CM Afridi said the province’s case was strongly presented during the discussions. He added that the Prime Minister had assured that the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be updated, and political matters would also be addressed promptly.
Afridi explained that if consensus on the NFC Award is not reached within 180 days, it would be updated through a presidential order. The updated award will include the financial share of the newly merged districts.
He also stated that the proposed cuts in the Annual Development Program (ADP) had been largely reduced after negotiations, and expressed hope that the merged districts’ share in both the ADP and Annual Investment Program (AIP) would further improve.
Under Article 151, he said, the federal government is responsible for ensuring the free movement of essential commodities. In line with this, 175,000 tons of wheat will be supplied to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a guarantee from the federal government that prices will not increase.
CM Afridi also highlighted ongoing welfare initiatives in the province, including the Sehat Card program, Ehsaas initiatives, and shelter homes. He added that 26.7% of the province’s land is forested and promised that funds would be allocated for forest conservation and development.
Shafi Jan: NFC Award Update Reflects Success of KP’s Stance
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Shafi Jan said that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi effectively and convincingly presented the province’s case during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
In a statement, the provincial minister said the assurance to update the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award reflects the success of the provincial government’s stance. He added that the inclusion of merged districts’ financial share in the proposed new NFC Award is a welcome development and a major relief for the people of the province.
Shafi Jan said that protecting the constitutional and financial rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the top priority of the provincial government. He maintained that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has consistently raised the province’s concerns in every constitutional forum since taking office.
He further stated that the provincial government is demanding its constitutional and legal rights from the federation, adding that without full financial inclusion of the merged districts, development targets cannot be achieved.
The minister said a comprehensive strategy has been adopted for the development and stability of the merged districts. He also claimed that billions of rupees are due to the province from the federal government under various heads, including NFC, war on terror funds, and net hydel profit.
According to Shafi Jan, the recovery of these outstanding dues will be utilized for development and public welfare projects in the province.
He further announced that a strong protest will be held in Islamabad on June 12 under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to press for the province’s rights.
The provincial government, he added, will continue its struggle for fair resource distribution and the protection of constitutional rights.
