CM Afridi meets PM Shehbaz Sharif, urges resolution of KP’s pending dues

ISLAMABAD
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi addressed the media after a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday and strongly condemned the recent terrorist incident in Balochistan, calling it a national tragedy.
According to an official statement, Afridi emphasized that terrorism knows no boundaries, be it religion, province, or nationality, and the impact was always borne by the ordinary people of Pakistan.
He went on to highlight the financial challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that critical issues related to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, AIP, NHP, and other federal dues were raised directly with the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister explained that while KP has been at the forefront of the war against terrorism, delays in the release of federal dues have severely strained the province’s finances.
Afridi revealed that the Prime Minister took these concerns seriously and instructed Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal to coordinate with KP’s Finance Advisor, Muzammil Aslam, for practical solutions.
The Chief Minister stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than just statements; it demands a serious, collaborative strategy between the federal government and the province. He pointed out that KP has already spent Rs 26 billion from its own resources on tribal districts, while federal promises have not been translated into action.
Afridi assured that follow-up meetings would take place soon, and the public would be kept informed of any developments.
In a strong political statement, Afridi condemned any attempts to exploit the sacrifices made by the people of Tirah, Kurram, and Bajaur for political gain.
He stated that the Rs 4 billion in compensation is not a “favor,” but rather the state’s responsibility to those who have given so much for the country. He also cautioned that delays and indecision on federal support are undermining the value of these sacrifices.
Addressing concerns over the ongoing situation with PTI’s founding chairman, Imran Khan, Afridi affirmed that the right to meet with lawyers and family members is a basic legal and human right.
He criticized any attempts to obstruct these meetings, asserting that his meeting with the Prime Minister was not a political maneuver but a constitutional obligation to protect the interests of KP and its people.