PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi urged the federal government to immediately release Rs 850 billion owed to the province under various heads, including funds for the merged tribal districts and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Addressing a peace jirga in Bara, the chief minister said the province is owed Rs 550 billion for the merged districts and another Rs 350 billion under the NFC Award. He further called on the federal authorities to clear Rs 220 billion in pending Net Hydel Profit payments.
CM Afridi reaffirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands firmly with the state and security forces in efforts to maintain peace, but cautioned that “collateral damage will not be tolerated.”
“No innocent life will be lost, there will be accountability if that happens,” he asserted, emphasizing that all decisions related to the merged districts must include the provincial government, tribal elders, and elected representatives.
He also alleged that preparations were underway for another military operation in the region, warning that his government would oppose any such move made “behind closed doors.”
