PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has called on the federal government to immediately release the overdue financial share allocated to the merged tribal districts and convene a meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC) ahead of the federal budget.
In a press briefing, Saif stressed the need for urgent transfer of funds so the KP government can roll out a relief and development package for the formerly FATA regions. He also urged the clearance of arrears related to net hydel profit before the upcoming fiscal year begins.
“The federal government is unlawfully withholding the share of the merged districts. This is a constitutional obligation, not a favor,” Saif said.
He revealed that KP’s Chief Minister has already written two letters to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighting the pending dues and requesting action, but so far, no response has been received.
Barrister Saif warned that the delay in funding was impeding crucial development in areas still recovering from years of neglect and militancy. “If the federal government is serious about counterterrorism, it must realise that development in the merged districts is essential,” he said.
He emphasized that tackling terrorism is not just KP’s burden to bear: “This is a national issue, and the center must cooperate with the province.”
Lamenting the lack of federal support, Saif said KP was being treated like a “stepchild,” and such treatment only undermines national unity and stability.
“Peace and prosperity require equal treatment for all provinces, especially those that have sacrificed the most in the fight against terrorism,” he concluded.
