ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored the importance of Centre–KP cooperation during his first official meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, stressing that close coordination between the federation and the province was essential for peace, development and public welfare.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad at the premier’s invitation and focused on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial issues, security situation and counterterrorism efforts.
Centre–KP Cooperation to National Progress
According to a statement issued by state broadcaster PTV News, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that effective communication between the Centre and provinces was indispensable for national progress and service delivery.
He assured the KP chief minister of the federal government’s full cooperation—within its constitutional jurisdiction—for development projects, infrastructure improvement, education, health services and employment opportunities across the province.
Law and Order, Counterterrorism Discussed
The prime minister described the KP government’s role in restoring peace as “unavoidable” and urged the provincial administration to further strengthen its departments to counter terrorism effectively.
Reaffirming the federal government’s resolve to combat militancy, PM Shehbaz said both the Centre and the KP government must fulfil their constitutional responsibilities to ensure public safety and welfare.
KP an Important Unit of the Federation: PM
Calling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa an “important unit” of the federation, the prime minister reiterated that the Centre would continue its efforts, within its mandate, to promote prosperity in the province.
He added that national unity, stability and economic growth could only be achieved through mutual consultation and sustained collaboration between all provinces and the federal government.
Pending Funds, NFC, NHP Raised by KP CM
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi described the discussion as necessary in his role as the province’s chief executive.
He said issues related to the National Finance Commission (NFC), Net Hydel Profit (NHP), Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) and other pending federal dues were discussed, along with a joint strategy to counter terrorism.
Afridi also confirmed that PM Shehbaz directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to meet KP’s finance adviser Muzzammil Aslam to resolve outstanding issues, adding that further meetings would follow.
No Political Matters Discussed
The KP chief minister clarified that no political issues were discussed during the meeting, including matters related to PTI founder Imran Khan.
He reiterated his condemnation of terrorism, stating that militancy had no religion, province or nationality and must be denounced collectively as Pakistanis.
Federal Ministers Welcome Engagement
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam welcomed the meeting, stressing the need for “excellent coordination” between the Centre and KP.
He said consensus was reached on maintaining communication and keeping politics aside to collectively address terrorism, adding that any differences over pending funds should be resolved through dialogue.
Background: Dispute Over Federal Dues
The meeting came a week after CM Afridi wrote to the prime minister, accusing the Centre of failing to release constitutionally guaranteed funds, particularly for the merged districts.
The KP government maintains it is entitled to Rs658.4 billion under the NFC but has received Rs604 billion so far, leaving a shortfall of Rs54.4 billion that has contributed to fiscal and governance challenges in the province.