Advisor warns federal government against “economic strangulation” as NFC, hydel profits, and tribal funds remain withheld
PESHAWAR:Advisor to Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, has stated that Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur successfully advocated for the rights of the province during the recent Peshawar Jirga. He emphasized that the federal leadership was once again apprised of critical issues including the province’s due share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the merged districts, tobacco cess, and net hydel profit.
In a statement issued from his office, Barrister Dr. Saif said that the Chief Minister also held detailed discussions on the prevention of drone strikes in merged districts and highlighted the importance of involving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in the dialogue process with Afghanistan to ensure sustainable peace in the region.
Barrister Dr. Saif expressed hope that the federal government would now expedite the transfer of funds to the province for the merged districts. He strongly criticized the illegal withholding of these funds by the federal government, stating that the merged districts are now the part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the transfer of funds is therefore essential. He emphasized that delays in transferring these funds hinder development in the merged districts and further aggravate the deprivations of the local population. Addressing these issues is a joint responsibility of both the federal and provincial governments.
He further asserted that development in the merged districts is a key factor in eliminating terrorism. “Terrorism is not just Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s issue—it is a national issue,” he said, demanding the immediate payment of net hydel profit arrears. He urged the federal government to refrain from politicizing critical national matters and warned that depriving a province of development is detrimental to the federation itself.
Dr. Saif highlighted that the people of the merged districts have been among the hardest hit by the war on terror. Therefore, following the merger, it is imperative to accelerate development efforts and address their long-standing grievances. This, he said, requires full cooperation from the federal government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the most affected province by terrorism, and the federal government must stop treating it with indifference and release all outstanding dues.
He concluded by stating that while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is undertaking development efforts in the merged districts within its limited resources, it is ultimately the federal government’s responsibility to support the province. The withholding of funds and denial of the province’s rightful share only hinder progress. Following the merger, addressing the development and decades-long deprivations of the merged districts is a national obligation.