ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday clarified that no decision has been taken to impose a “smart lockdown” in the province, noting that diverse opinions exist among the federating units regarding such restrictive measures.
Speaking to the media following a high-level consultative meeting at the President’s House, the Chief Minister emphasised that the provincial government attended the session in the larger interest of Pakistan. Addressing the regional security situation, Mr Afridi stated that Pakistan must play a proactive role for peace, as the Muslim world consistently looks toward the country during times of crisis. He categorically remarked that the province would not support becoming a part of “anyone’s war.”
On the economic front, the Chief Minister took a firm stance against potential inflationary measures, asserting that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would never endorse any decision that increases the financial burden on the common man.
Mr Afridi also raised serious concerns regarding the province’s fiscal share, claiming that over Rs 1,375 billion in National Finance Commission (NFC) awards remain outstanding. He further alleged that other provinces were encroaching upon the rights of the people of the merged tribal districts (formerly FATA), urging the federal government to ensure the equitable distribution of resources to maintain provincial harmony.
