KP Chief Minister Raises Rights Concerns With Centre

During the meeting, both sides discussed several important issues, including access to and consultation with former prime minister Imran Khan, preparations for the upcoming National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, development funding for merged districts, energy matters, wheat supply, hydropower projects and broader federal-provincial relations.

The chief minister expressed concern over what he termed persistent discrimination against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that continued denial of the province’s constitutional entitlements could affect its participation in future federal forums, including the NEC meeting.

Afridi emphasized that consultation with Imran Khan was necessary before making major policy and budgetary decisions, arguing that political parties traditionally seek guidance from their leadership on important national matters.

He also highlighted reductions in development funding, claiming that allocations under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) had been cut significantly, while development funds for the merged districts had also been reduced. According to the chief minister, these reductions have negatively affected progress and public welfare initiatives in the region.

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The chief minister further alleged that the merged districts’ share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award had not been provided for several years, which he said had created serious financial challenges and slowed development efforts.

Energy issues featured prominently during the discussions. Afridi argued that despite Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being a major producer of natural gas, residents continue to face shortages and load-shedding. He maintained that the province should receive its fair share of locally produced resources in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The chief minister also raised concerns over delays in operationalizing completed infrastructure projects, including a dam project in Swat and a bus terminal, citing pending No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities.

Additionally, he voiced reservations over restrictions affecting wheat supplies from Punjab, stressing that constitutional guarantees relating to interprovincial trade and resource distribution should be fully respected and implemented.

Responding to the concerns, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured the provincial leadership that the NOC required for the bus terminal project would be issued within 24 hours. He also pledged to present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s concerns before the prime minister and relevant federal institutions to facilitate solutions to the outstanding issues.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to continued dialogue aimed at addressing provincial grievances and strengthening cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.