PM Shehbaz, KP CM stress centre–province coordination in first formal meeting

-- PM Shehbaz, KP CM meet to strengthen centre-province cooperation

-- CM Afridi raises pending funds and financial shortfalls issues

-- Joint focus on security and counterterrorism measures

-- Federal ministers stress dialogue and coordination with KP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasised the need for close cooperation between the Centre and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government during his first formal meeting with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, amid disputes over finances and rising security challenges in the province.

The meeting, held at the prime minister’s House on the premier’s invitation, focused on KP’s financial issues, counterterrorism efforts and intergovernmental coordination, according to official statements.

The prime minister underscored the importance of effective communication between the federation and provinces for national progress and public service.

“Close and effective communication between the Centre and the provinces is indispensable for national progress and public service,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying.

He assured the KP chief minister of the federal government’s cooperation, within its constitutional jurisdiction, for development projects, infrastructure, education, health services, and employment generation in the province.

Stressing that peace in KP was critical, the prime minister described cooperation by the provincial government in maintaining law and order as “unavoidable” and urged it to further strengthen provincial institutions to counter terrorism.

Affirming a joint resolve against militancy, PM Shehbaz said both the Centre and the KP government would continue their efforts to combat terrorism, adding that the province must fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to ensure peace and public welfare.

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an important unit of the federation,” the premier said, assuring that the Centre would continue making full efforts for the prosperity of the province’s people.

The meeting was also attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam.

KP CM raises pending funds, security concerns

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Chief Minister Afridi termed the interaction a “demand of his role” and said he had discussed KP’s financial issues and security situation with the prime minister.

He said matters related to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Net Hydel Profit (NHP), Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) and other pending federal dues were taken up.

“Issues concerning our province—whether the NFC, NHP or other pending funds—were discussed,” Afridi said, adding that a joint course of action against terrorism was also deliberated.

The chief minister said he condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and reiterated that terrorism had no religion, province or nationality.

“Terrorism must be condemned collectively as Pakistanis,” he said.

Afridi said PM Shehbaz had directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to meet KP’s finance adviser Muzzammil Aslam later in the day and make every possible effort to resolve the outstanding financial issues. He added that further meetings on finances and counterterrorism would follow.

He clarified that no political matters — including restrictions on meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan — were discussed during the meeting.

Federal ministers welcome engagement

Speaking separately, Minister Amir Muqam welcomed the meeting, remarking, “Better late than never,” and stressed the need for excellent coordination between the Centre and KP to address terrorism and governance challenges.

He said it has been agreed that communication between the two governments should continue and that political differences should be set aside in the national interest.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also welcomed the meeting, saying coordination between the federation and provinces was essential to avoid public suffering.

“Without coordination, the people of the province suffer,” he said, adding that the KP CM’s attitude towards the Centre needed to change.

Outstanding funds dispute

Since assuming office in October last year, CM Afridi has repeatedly accused the federal government of delaying the release of constitutionally guaranteed funds for KP, particularly for the merged districts.

Last week, he wrote to PM Shehbaz, claiming that KP was entitled to Rs658.4 billion under the NFC but had received Rs604bn so far, resulting in a shortfall of Rs54.4bn and triggering what he described as a fiscal and governance crisis in the province.

Addressing a jirga in Khyber a day earlier, Afridi had said he would meet the prime minister to press KP’s case and seek the release of outstanding dues.