Tensions mount over militancy issue: PM pushes for deeper cooperation with KP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged a stronger cooperation between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as tensions between the Centre and the province simmer, particularly over escalating concerns surrounding militancy and terrorism.

In his first meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the prime minister emphasised the need for closer ties for the development of the province, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, education, health, and employment opportunities.He reiterated the importance of “close and effective communication” between the federal government and the provinces, stating it was essential for national progress and public service.

Sharif assured Afridi of the Centre’s continued support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s development, within its constitutional jurisdiction, while underscoring the need for the provincial government’s role in maintaining peace and countering terrorism.

Sharif urged the KP administration to strengthen local institutions in the fight against militancy, highlighting the province’s key position within the country’s federal structure.

“Issues of law and order are critical. Both the Centre and provincial government must work together for peace and public welfare,” he said. “KP’s prosperity is vital for the overall well-being of Pakistan, and we will continue to cooperate in all areas within our constitutional powers.”

Afridi, who was invited by the prime minister for the meeting, expressed support for efforts to combat terrorism, condemning recent attacks in Balochistan.

The PTI leader reaffirmed his stance that terrorism should be condemned wherever it occurs, irrespective of its origin.

“There is no room for terrorism in any form, and as Pakistanis, we must unite against it,” Afridi told reporters following the meeting.

During the discussions, he raised several provincial concerns, including issues related to the National Finance Commission (NFC), Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), and the payment of Net Hydel Profit (NHP) dues from the Centre.

The chief minister also addressed the provincial government’s contributions to the merged tribal districts under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP), highlighting an allocation of Rs 26 billion from KP’s provincial fund.

Afridi noted that the prime minister had directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to meet with the KP government’s finance adviser, Muzzammil Aslam, later on Monday to expedite solutions to these financial issues.

He said that no discussions were held regarding his inability to meet with party founding chairman Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Rawalpindi’s notorious Adiala jail.

“No political matters were discussed in this meeting. The focus was on the development of KP and the collective fight against terrorism,” Afridi emphasised.

The chief minister also dismissed questions about the Rs4 billion corruption allegations against his government, stating the focus should remain on the larger issue of national governance.

He pointed to a recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that accused the federal government of corruption worth Rs5,300 billion, calling the allegations against his administration “insignificant” in comparison.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam, who attended the meeting, welcomed the dialogue between the prime minister and the chief minister, stressing the need for continuous communication between the Centre and the provincial government.

He also pointed out that the federal government had already paid all pending funds to KP and called for further discussions to resolve any remaining differences.

Muqam further stressed the importance of unity against militancy, urging all political forces to put aside differences in favour of a collective approach to address terrorism, which has severely affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“There must be a consensus between the federal government and KP on these matters. Politics should not interfere with the national effort against terrorism,” he said.

The prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, Rana Sanaullah, and the chief minister’s adviser on economy, Muzzammil Aslam, were also present at the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026