Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Suhail Afridi Writes to PM Over Non-Release of Constitutional Funds

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Suhail Afridi, has formally written to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, raising concerns over the federal government’s delay in releasing constitutionally mandated funds to the province.

In the letter, CM Afridi highlighted that repeated delays in federal transfers have plunged the province into a severe financial crisis, severely affecting provincial governance, budget execution, and delivery of public services. He pointed out that the provincial budget was prepared based on constitutional entitlements and expected federal releases, but actual disbursements have fallen significantly short of targets.

Afridi noted that out of Rs. 658 billion expected from the divisible pool, only Rs. 604 billion has been received so far, creating a shortfall of Rs. 54 billion. This gap has disrupted cash management and delayed the completion of developmental and social projects.

The CM stressed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as a frontline province in the fight against terrorism, bears significant national expenditures, including counter-terrorism operations, flood rehabilitation, care for temporarily displaced persons, and maintaining law and order. He emphasized that the financial burden of these national responsibilities is being unfairly imposed on the province.

He further underlined that transfers of net hydel profit, oil and gas royalties, and NFC funds are constitutional obligations, and any suspension of monthly NFC disbursements undermines both the Constitution and cooperative federalism.

Afridi also expressed deep concern over the situation in the merged districts, noting that Rs. 292 billion were allocated for these areas at the provincial level, while only Rs. 56 billion has been released by the federal government. Delays at the federal level are undermining the objectives of the merger and weakening national cohesion.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to ensure immediate and unconditional release of all federal dues, including NFC transfers, net hydel profits, oil and gas royalties, and merged districts’ funds, to prevent further financial strain on the province. He concluded by requesting the Prime Minister’s personal and urgent attention to the matter, warning that further delays will exacerbate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fiscal pressure.