Attempts being made to push Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a “dead end,” says Sohail Afridi
ISLAMABAD (Kuwait News Desk) — Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has said that efforts are being made to push the province into a “dead end,” urging that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) should not be deprived of its constitutional rights.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Afridi said he has also written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He stated that KP is being treated unfairly despite contributing significantly to the country’s natural resources, including minerals, low-cost electricity, and natural gas. He added that the province is being blamed for policy failures, which he strongly rejected.
Afridi further said that a certain “mindset” is preventing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from progressing, adding that the province may be forced to make its own decisions if the situation continues.
He emphasized that KP must not be deprived of its constitutional rights, noting that the province produces around 494 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas, while the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector requires only 36 to 40 MMCFD.
He warned that gas shortages for CNG stations could create serious issues, and argued that gas-producing provinces should have the first right over their own resources.
On the occasion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi supported the stance, stating that under the Constitution, the needs of gas-producing provinces must be prioritized.
He added that CNG is an important alternative fuel in the province, and any gas suspension would severely affect taxi drivers and low-income groups.
