KP CM describes Punjab govt’s conduct as ‘undemocratic’, ‘unethical’

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has expressed serious reservations over the conduct of the Punjab government during his recent three-day visit to Punjab.

Addressing a meeting of the provincial cabinet through video link here on Monday, he termed the Punjab government’s behavior as undemocratic, unethical, and condemnable. He informed the cabinet that members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet were subjected to violence and harassment during the visit. He stated that the routes of a provincial chief minister were repeatedly blocked, markets were forcibly shut down, motorway rest areas were closed by Punjab Police, and even the lights were switched off during his visit to the Mazar-e-Iqbal.

He said that such conduct reflected moral and intellectual decline. He added that at a time of economic and political instability, such behavior was not only alarming but also incomprehensible. In circumstances demanding national unity, hateful attitudes were harmful to the country.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government strongly condemns the conduct of the Punjab government, he said. The Chief Minister directed all provincial government officers to extend exemplary hospitality and maximum facilitation to official delegations from other provinces, emphasizing that no one should feel like a stranger in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Chief Minister raised strong objections over the non-release of AIP funds by the federal government, stating that the lack of funds had severely affected the progress of development projects in the merged districts. He informed the cabinet that the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs 4,758 billion. He alleged that the federal Ministry of Finance attempted a media trial regarding fiscal releases through fabricated propaganda. He demanded that the federal government disclose complete details of funds released to all provinces and present a comparison of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s outstanding dues with those of other provinces. He directed all departments to write formal letters regarding the outstanding payments and obtain written responses.

The Chief Minister directed departments to accelerate work on ongoing development projects and declared health and education as the top priorities of the provincial government.

He said that in line with Imran Khan’s vision, health and education were the core priorities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and all available resources would be utilized to improve these sectors.

The meeting was attended by cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, Senior Member Board of Revenue, administrative secretaries, and the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025