Centre-KP frost thaws as PM, CM Afridi break the ice

Federal-provincial cooperation stressed Security, counterterrorism discussed

ISLAMABAD:

After weeks of sharp exchanges and hardened positions, Centre and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa tested detente in a rare political thaw on Monday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sat across the table for the first time at the Prime Minister's Office, signalling cautious movement in a relationship long frozen by mistrust, funding rows and security tensions.

Only days after Afridi threatened protests, jirgas and a march on Islamabad, the two leaders were seen exchanging smiles, softening a standoff that had dominated headlines.

Furthermore, the presence of federal heavyweights Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam, alongside KP's finance adviser Muzammil Aslam, raised hopes of an opening in a political deadlock that both sides appear eager, at least for now, to test.

Quite contrary to their otherwise hostile public statements, Afridi and members of his team were seen exchanging smiles with the prime minister. An official handout issued by the PM Office described the interaction as cordial.

Interestingly, PTI's incarcerated leader Imran Khan had brought Sohail Afridi in place of Ali Amin Gandapur, whom he felt was not doing enough to pressure the government.

According to the official statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the development and welfare of the people of K-P.

He said federal–provincial collaboration was essential for maintaining law and order and countering terrorism in the province, stressing that the provincial government must further strengthen its efforts to ensure peace and security.

The prime minister said the provincial government should enhance the capacity of its institutions to effectively combat terrorism and fulfil its constitutional responsibilities for maintaining law and order and ensuring public welfare.

He noted that the province was empowered to take measures in key sectors such as health and education to benefit its people, while reiterating that the federal government remained committed to K-P's welfare.

Describing K-P as a vital unit of the federation, the prime minister said the federal government would continue to work within its jurisdiction to promote development, improve infrastructure, and expand opportunities in education, health and employment.

He stressed that close coordination between the federation and provinces was crucial for national development and public service delivery, adding that the federal and provincial governments would continue joint efforts for the complete elimination of terrorism.

He affirmed the federal government's commitment to equitable development across all provinces, stating that mutual consultation and cooperation are essential to achieving national unity, stability and prosperity.

'Constructive talks'

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Afridi said the prime minister had invited him and termed the talks constructive and in line with his responsibilities.

He said he expressed condolences over the recent attacks in Balochistan and condemned terrorism.

"We have always condemned terrorism wherever it has taken place and will continue to do so," he said.

Afridi said discussions covered provincial concerns, funding issues including the NFC award and development in the merged districts, where the K-P government has already spent Rs26 billion.

He added that the prime minister directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to meet K-P finance adviser Muzammil Aslam later in the day to make "every possible effort" to resolve outstanding issues.

Two to three more meetings will be held, including one or two on counterterrorism, Afridi said, adding that decisions would be made public.

He stressed that no political matters, including any discussion about PTI founder Imran Khan, were raised.

"Perhaps as a political worker I would not have sat there, but I deemed it necessary for my people and my province," Afridi said, citing worsening financial and security conditions.

He highlighted sacrifices made by residents of Tirah, Kurram and Bajaur, saying, "four billion rupees is nothing compared to what people are giving for peace".

Afridi also confirmed he would not attend any meeting related to the PTI founder, saying his focus remained on governance and provincial development, a stance that raised eyebrows among PTI supporters who feel it does not align with their jailed leader's position.

 

A tense backdrop

Since becoming chief minister in October last year, Afridi has repeatedly accused the federal government of delaying K-P's funds.

Just a week earlier, he wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz, alleging the Centre's "persistent failure" to release constitutionally guaranteed funds, particularly for the merged districts under the NFC.

A day before the meeting, he announced plans for a province-wide grand jirga and threatened a protest march on Islamabad over the alleged forced displacement of Tirah Valley residents and what he termed a federal U-turn.

Addressing a jirga, he said he would raise K-P's rights and outstanding dues in talks with the prime minister.

Against this backdrop of sharp rhetoric and a looming February 8 protest, the meeting appeared notably cordial, marked by smiles and a conciliatory tone.

Prime Minister's Coordinator on Information for K-P Ikhtiar Wali Khan confirmed the meeting took place in a positive environment and said it was necessary given the complex situation in the province, particularly in Tirah.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said tensions had escalated due to public statements and advised the prime minister to personally engage K-P's young leadership to defuse the situation.

He said that K-P had conveyed that its outstanding dues amounted to Rs4–5 billion, after which the prime minister instructed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to review and resolve the matter.

Khan added that the prime minister made it clear there would be zero tolerance for terrorism and that the K-P government had agreed to fully comply with the established policy.

Asked whether any instructions were issued to avoid discussing Imran Khan, he replied in negative.

"They themselves chose not to raise the matter," he said.

On the February 8 protest, Khan said he believed Afridi would now lose interest in it, hinting that politics often involves compromise.

PTI K-P president Junaid Akbar, meanwhile, said Afridi attended the meeting with party permission and was instructed to raise only provincial issues.

He said discussions were limited to law and order, IDPs, the NFC award and K-P's share from FATA, with no political matters discussed.

Senior political analyst Hassan Askari termed the meeting a positive step but cautioned against expecting long-term change.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said both governments often send mixed signals.

"We cannot yet say this establishes a lasting trend," he noted.

Askari said K-P's decision to engage the prime minister while setting aside Imran Khan-related grievances reflected political wisdom, given the province's financial challenges.

However, he cautioned that differences remain on both sides and cannot be fully eliminated.