CM Afridi slams fuel price hike, warns of rising inflation, public burden

PESHAWAR
The meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, discussed the country’s economic situation, criticized the recent increase in fuel prices, and approved a series of important decisions related to education, health, and public welfare.
The provincial cabinet meeting was attended by cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, additional chief secretaries, and relevant administrative secretaries.
Addressing the cabinet, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly criticized the federal government’s recent fuel price hike, stating that it would further increase inflation and burden households across the country.
He noted that nearly 45 percent of Pakistan’s population, over 100 million people, are living below the poverty line, with rising prices now affecting middle and upper-middle-income groups as well.
He emphasized the need for long-term economic planning and warned against short-term “fire-fighting” measures, stressing that sustainable growth requires consistent policies and a clear direction.
The Chief Minister contrasted the current economic situation with that during former prime minister Imran Khan, stating that Pakistan achieved 6.1 percent GDP growth during his tenure despite the COVID-19 pandemic, while fuel prices remained relatively lower.
Highlighting provincial efforts, he said the KP government has introduced targeted relief measures for motorcyclists and farmers, which have been recognized at the national level.
He added that the province continues to contribute to national economic stability despite financial constraints.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the province has absorbed significant financial shocks caused by recent floods and has not yet received its full share under the National Finance Commission (NFC).
He further noted that although the merged tribal districts were administratively part of the province, their financial integration remains incomplete, adding pressure on provincial resources.
On security, he said shortcomings in national policies have led to a resurgence of militancy, increasing security expenditures and causing displacement, without adequate federal support.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, Shafi Jan, briefing the media on cabinet decisions, said that the cabinet approved the establishment of the University of Applied and Modern Sciences for merged districts. A committee under the Provincial Minister for Local Government will finalize modalities for the project.
The cabinet also approved abolition of 55 vacant support staff posts in the Agriculture University, saving Rs 9 million per month under austerity measures.
It granted in-principle approval for posting and transfer guidelines in the higher education sector to address staff shortages in remote colleges.
Additionally, Rs 229 million was approved as grant-in-aid for the Auqaf Department, while a proposal for voluntary deduction of two days’ basic salary from Grade-20 and above officers was agreed in principle.
Key health sector decisions included granting MTI status to Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, approving Rs 10 million for the Fatimid Foundation for treatment of thalassemia patients, creation of 598 paid intern nurse posts, and Rs 993 million for operationalization of Timergara Medical College.
The cabinet also approved financial assistance for wheelchair cricket players, establishment of a tehsil sports complex in D.I. Khan, and Rs 80 million grant for Mufti Mahmood College.
In education, a pilot project introducing Matric Tech and Inter Tech programs in 70 government schools was approved, with a total cost of Rs 450 million and scholarships for 1,650 students.
Other decisions included adoption of a digital platform for fee payments under Electricity Rules, amendments to the Excise Duty on Minerals Labour Welfare Act, and withdrawal of the Madian Hydropower project from the World Bank program.
To address emergency situations, the cabinet approved Rs 20 million for relief camps in Arandu, Lower Chitral, and Rs 785 million for procurement of boats and equipment ahead of the monsoon season.
The cabinet also approved the Budget Strategy Paper for 2026–27 and sanctioned financial assistance for 27 patients suffering from critical illnesses.