Afridi presses K-P rights at NEC

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has said that the province strongly presented its case in the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, taking a firm stance on safeguarding its constitutional, financial, and developmental rights.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured that regular meetings will be held to update the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award within 180 days. He added that if consensus is not reached within the stipulated period, a summary will be sent to the President for the issuance of a presidential order to update the award.

Afridi described the inclusion of the financial share of the merged districts in the new NFC Award as a major good news for the people of K-P, particularly residents of the merged areas.

Regarding the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts, he said proposed cuts have been significantly improved following negotiations. However, the provincial government has strongly demanded further enhancements. He expressed hope that additional improvements would be made in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and AIP so that development benefits reach the people of these areas promptly.

The Chief Minister also referred to Article 151 of the Constitution, which makes it a federal responsibility to ensure the free movement of essential commodities. He stated that if implementation of this article is not possible, the relevant clause should be repealed to allow provinces to formulate their own policies.

He further disclosed that, under an agreement with PASCO, 175,000 tons of wheat will be supplied to the province at the fixed rate, and the federal government has assured that there will be no increase in wheat prices.

Highlighting the province's efforts on law and order, Afridi said K-P is making the largest investment in peace and security across the country. Since October 5, 2025, more than Rs30 billion have been spent on enhancing the capacity of the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Special Branch. He vowed to continue strengthening these departments to ensure the protection of life and property.

The Chief Minister emphasized that working relations with the federal government will be advanced while keeping provincial and public interests in mind. Participation in NEC and NFC meetings is essential for protecting provincial rights and public welfare.

He reiterated that education, health, and law and order remain the top priorities of the provincial government. Afridi called the Health Card a revolutionary project of Chairman Imran Khan, through which every citizen of K-P is being provided free medical treatment.

On the environment, the Chief Minister noted that K-P contributes approximately 45 per cent to Pakistan's total forest cover, with 26.7 per cent of the province's total area under forests. He announced that a special fund will be allocated for the promotion of forests. Instead of allowing the cutting of trees on private land, the provincial government will purchase them directly and compensate owners to encourage tree plantation.