PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has stated that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had forcefully presented the province’s case and unequivocally advocated for the protection of its constitutional, financial, and development rights.
Talking to media following a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), he said that the Prime Minister had assured the participants that formal meetings would be convened to update the National Finance Commission Award within the next 180 days. In case a consensus could not be achieved within the stipulated timeframe, a summary would be forwarded to the President to facilitate the updating of the NFC Award through a Presidential Order.
The Chief Minister noted that the revised NFC Award would incorporate the financial share of the merged districts, describing it as a significant development for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those residing in the merged areas.
Referring to the proposed reduction in the Accelerated Implementation Programme for the merged districts, the Chief Minister stated that, following negotiations, the extent of the cut had been substantially mitigated. However, the provincial government had continued to press for further improvements.
He expressed optimism that additional enhancements would be made to both the Annual Development Programme and the AIP allocations for the merged districts to ensure that development benefits reach local communities in a timely manner.
The Chief Minister also drew attention to Article 151 of the Constitution, stating that ensuring the free movement of goods across provincial boundaries is a constitutional responsibility of the federation. He remarked that if implementation of the provision was not possible, consideration should be given to revisiting the relevant constitutional arrangement and allowing provinces to formulate their own policies accordingly.
On the issue of wheat supplies, he said that under the agreement reached with PASSCO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive 175,000 tons of wheat at the agreed price, adding that the federal government had assured the province that there would be no increase in the committed rate.
Afridi further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to make substantial investments in strengthening public safety and security. Since assuming office in October 2025, more than Rs 30 billion has been invested in enhancing the operational capacity, infrastructure, and capabilities of the police, the Counter Terrorism Department, and the Special Branch.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to further strengthening these institutions to ensure the protection of life and property.
The Chief Minister observed that engagement with the federal government would continue to be guided by the interests of the province and its people.
He emphasised that participation in NEC and NFC forums were carried out for safeguarding provincial rights and advancing the public interest. Highlighting the provincial government’s development priorities, he stated that education, health, and law and order remain at the forefront of the government’s agenda.
He added that a range of social protection initiatives, including the Ehsaas Programme, shelter homes, Zamung Kor, and the “Koi Bhuka na Soi” initiative, continue to serve vulnerable segments of society.
He described the Sehat Card as one of the most transformative social welfare initiatives envisioned by Imran Khan, noting that it provides free healthcare coverage to every resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributes approximately 45 percent of Pakistan’s forest resources, while forests account for 26.7 percent of the province’s total land area.
He announced that dedicated financial resources would be allocated to further expand forest cover. As part of this initiative, the provincial government intends to purchase trees grown on private lands instead of allowing their premature harvesting, thereby incentivising afforestation and supporting local landowners.
He further stated that individuals seeking to undertake plantation activities on barren land would be facilitated by the government, with the objective of expanding forest cover and strengthening the province’s contribution to Pakistan’s environmental resilience and climate objectives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026