PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, has said that Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, accompanied by his team, participated in the National Finance Commission meeting with thorough preparation and presented the province’s case in an effective, well-argued and robust manner.
He stated that the Chief Minister raised in detail the issues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s NFC shares and the outstanding payments of net hydel profit owed by the federal government. The Chief Minister also clearly highlighted the province’s concerns over inadequate funding allocations and insufficient resources provided for the “War on Terror.”
Shafi Jan stated that, during the 11th NFC meeting, the Chief Minister demanded increasing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s NFC share for the merger of the former FATA regions and enhancing the province’s share in the war against terrorism from 1% to 3%. He further demanded raising the province’s overall NFC share from 14.62% to 19.62%. He added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to raise its voice for provincial rights at every forum.
In a statement issued from his office, Shafi Jan stated that the federal government had promised to provide Rs 100 billion annually at the time of the FATA merger. However, over seven years, the federal government has released only Rs 168 billion. Unfortunately, out of the pledged Rs 700 billion for the merged districts, Rs 532 billion remain outstanding. Due to the non-release of agreed funds, the province has been forced to bear a heavy financial burden, he said.
He further said that the federal government also owes the province nearly Rs 3,500 billion in net hydel profit and other arrears, but the payments have not been made. Despite the administrative merger of ex-FATA, the NFC share was not increased, which has severely affected development in the merged districts.
Shafi Jan said the Chief Minister also demanded a reassessment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s NFC share by including the population and geographical area of the merged districts, as the current distribution effectively divides the NFC among only three and a half provinces, which is against the spirit of the Constitution. He mentioned that the federal government’s financial delays are creating law-and-order issues in the merged districts.
Shafi Jan said that it is encouraging that both the government and opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hold a unified stance on the issue of NFC shares. Under the leadership of the young Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, all possible efforts will be made to secure KP’s rightful financial dues.
He emphasised that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the province that has endured severe economic strain due to terrorism, instability and natural disasters, yet despite all challenges, it has always played a key role in the country’s overall development.
Shafi Jan said the Chief Minister’s participation in the NFC meeting and his strong presentation of the province’s case is a historic moment. On the Chief Minister’s instructions, awareness seminars on NFC shares and the province’s financial challenges were also held in universities across the province to inform youth about provincial resources, NFC allocations and financial issues. The aim is to ensure every segment of society plays an active role in securing the province’s legitimate financial rights.
He expressed hope that the federal government will accept KP’s demands regarding outstanding payments and other rightful financial entitlements, as the protection of constitutional and financial rights of provinces is the foundation of national unity, and the NFC Award holds central importance in this regard.
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