KP Demands Constitutional and Financial Rights, Warns of Boycott of NEC Meeting

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaders have urged the federal government to ensure the province receives its constitutional, financial, and developmental rights, warning that continued neglect could affect participation in key national forums.

According to details, a meeting was held between the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and a federal government negotiation team. The discussions focused on the upcoming National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, the National Finance Commission (NFC), and issues related to the province’s financial entitlements.

Speaking on the occasion, Sohail Afridi stated that if Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to be treated unfairly, participation in the NEC meeting would become difficult. He added that all political parties consult their leadership before making major decisions.

Afridi pointed out that funds allocated under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) had been reduced from Rs37 billion to Rs27 billion. Similarly, the development budget for the merged districts under the AIP had been cut to Rs56 billion.

He called on the federal government to ensure the provision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional, financial, and developmental rights, stressing that equitable treatment of the province is essential for national cohesion and development.