KP CM Criticizes Federal Economic Policies, Announces Independent Crisis Management Plan

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly criticized the federal government’s economic policies, declaring them a failure and announcing that the province will formulate its own “crisis management policy” to tackle the ongoing economic challenges.

Addressing a provincial cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister condemned the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, calling it another “cruel burden” on the public. He stated that nearly 45% of the population has fallen below the poverty line, with both lower and middle-income groups severely affected.

Afridi compared the current economic situation with the tenure of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, noting that despite the global pandemic, the economy had achieved a 6.1% growth rate and petrol prices were around PKR 150 per liter at the time. He alleged that the current leadership lacks a clear strategy to address the crisis and is contributing to currency depreciation and a widening trade deficit.

The Chief Minister also accused the federal government of failing to provide the province’s due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, neglecting tribal districts financially, and not extending adequate support in the fight against floods and دہشت گردی.

He emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will no longer rely solely on the federal government and will instead design its own policies to protect citizens. He added that, building on existing relief measures for motorcyclists and farmers, the province aims to introduce sustainable initiatives to shield the public from the worsening inflation crisis.