PESHAWAR: The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, has accused the federal government of being involved in Rs 5300 billion, claiming that public funds are being exploited to buy luxury apartments and islands overseas.
During an event, at the Engineering University, CM Afridi condemned the use of public finances and asserted that funds intended for public welfare were being diverted into overseas assets. He highlighted that this represents a problem since the money ought to have been directed towards the nation’s progress instead of benefiting a small group of people.
Afridi also emphasized the financial disputes concerning the National Finance Commission (NFC), noting that following the integration of FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s legitimate portion, in the NFC allocation should be 19%. Nonetheless, the province has been deprived of its share of Rs 350 billion for the last seven years.
Afridi affirmed, “We will bring up this matter at the NFC meeting to guarantee that the funds allocated for the merged districts are transferred to the province.”
Later on when Afridi was talking to journalists near Adiala Jail at the Gorakhpur checkpoint, he expressed his growing concerns about the government not allowing a meeting between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership and Imran Khan, the head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“We have exhausted every democratic route,” Afridi stated. “I intended to participate in the protests. The sisters of Imran Khan dissuaded me. The government asserts it has conducted discussions, about Imran Khan’s health. It does not possess the authority to decide. Do you believe this government holds any power?”
CM Afridi further criticized the lack of political legitimacy within the government, stating, “The situation on February 8 and November 23 was no different. In the recent by-elections, 95% of people did not turn out to vote, showing their solidarity with Imran Khan.”
