Aurangzeb, KP delegation discuss NFC releases, fiscal matters

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday assured support to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on National Finance Commission (NFC) releases and related fiscal matters during a meeting with KP Chief Minister’s Adviser for Finance Muzamil Aslam.

Senior officials from the Finance Division and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government also attended the meeting, a news release said.

The discussion focused on a range of fiscal and development matters, including the timely release of funds under key development heads for merged districts, outstanding requirements linked to rehabilitation and support for temporarily displaced persons, and the broader framework of provincial entitlements and allocations, including those related to the NFC.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team highlighted the operational and development imperatives in the merged districts and underscored the importance of predictable and timely releases to sustain ongoing schemes and meet pressing needs on the ground.

They also drew attention to pending obligations in respect of displaced families and other related commitments that require streamlined coordination and resolution.

The Finance Minister listened to the issues raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to cooperative federalism and constructive engagement with the provinces.

He assured the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team of the Finance Division’s support in pursuing and facilitating their rightful claims for allocations under the NFC and other relevant heads discussed during the meeting, in accordance with applicable rules, agreed frameworks, and due process.

Aurangzeb noted that effective coordination and timely reconciliation of accounts, where required, remain essential for smooth and transparent releases, and emphasized that the Federal Government remains mindful of the unique development and security-related challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing work and consultations on NFC-related matters, including the need to sustain momentum on technical discussions and sub-group engagements to advance consensus on key issues.

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination through relevant forums and technical channels to address outstanding matters on priority and to ensure that fiscal arrangements and releases support development objectives, service delivery, and stability. The meeting concluded in a positive spirit, with a shared understanding to maintain regular engagement and to work jointly toward the timely resolution of issues in the national interest.