Centre’s ‘discrimination’: KP announces province-wide strike

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a province-wide strike on May 6, citing what it described as discriminatory treatment by the federal government in key financial and energy matters.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the federation was unfairly treating the province in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, as well as in the distribution of electricity and gas. He alleged that the province was being deliberately targeted due to the presence of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, led by Imran Khan.

Announcing the protest, the chief minister said a complete strike would be observed across the province; however, emergency services would remain operational and exempt from the shutdown.

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He also raised concerns regarding the conditions of PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse, stating that denying them access to personal doctors and restricting meetings with family members and legal counsel was unlawful.

Calling for wider participation, Afridi urged members of the legal community to join the strike, emphasising that lawyers committed to upholding the Constitution and rule of law should take an active role in the protest.