PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government Mina Khan Afridi has stated that the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting scheduled for December 4 is a crucial opportunity for securing the province’s financial rights. He said the KP government has, from day one, been demanding the convening of the NFC meeting and the fair distribution of financial resources.
He affirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will present its case masterfully before the commission.
Speaking to the media alongside opposition members in the KP Assembly, Mina Khan Afridi emphasised that all political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stand united on the issue of the province’s financial rights.
He said that the distribution of financial resources among the provinces is not taking place in accordance with the Constitution, and that KP is being deprived of its rightful share.
The minister highlighted that despite a clear formula, the funds allocated for the merged districts (former FATA) have not been provided to the province. He said that from 2018 to date, the outstanding dues owed by the federal government to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reached Rs. 1500 billion.
Discussing provincial preparations for the NFC, Mina Khan Afridi said that, on the directives of the provincial government, awareness seminars were held at universities, while consultative sessions were organised with opposition parties and stakeholders to build a unified stance.
He added that KP, in coordination with other provinces, will present additional proposals aimed at improving and strengthening the NFC Award. The minister further stated that under the AGN Kazi formula, hundreds of billions of rupees in net hydel profit arrears are also outstanding, and this critical issue will be raised firmly at the meeting.
Mina Khan Afridi said that after the merger of tribal districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the frontline province in the fight against terrorism, bearing heavy security and financial burdens. Therefore, the province will demand an increase in federal allocations meant for compensating terrorism-related losses and supporting development in the merged districts.
He reaffirmed that the provincial government, backed by all political parties in the province, is fully prepared to present a strong, evidence-based case in the upcoming NFC meeting to ensure the protection of KP’s constitutional rights and financial interests.
