Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a tribal jirga in Peshawar, assured Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of taking “serious and urgent” steps to resolve the province’s issues. He announced the formation of a special committee to review demands, including the release of NFC funds and promises made to merged tribal districts.
Special Committee to Review KP’s Concerns
PM Shehbaz said the federal government would form a special committee to consult with the KP chief minister, governor, and tribal elders on pending matters. “We will sit together and assess these issues seriously. Some may even be taken to parliament,” he said.
Security and Development in Focus
Acknowledging the sacrifices of KP residents, the PM praised their patriotism and said their contributions would be “written in golden words.” He announced that a long-overdue National Finance Commission (NFC) review would begin in August. “Funds for police and development are being released, and we aim to further improve law enforcement capacity,” he added.
CM Gandapur: ‘We Demand Our Due Share’
CM Gandapur demanded the immediate release of funds for the merged districts, stressing the government must fulfill its promises. “We’re not asking for favors — just our rights,” he said. He also urged the federal government to end drone strikes and refrain from imposing taxes in former FATA/PATA regions, citing the region’s economic hardships.
Call for Unity Amid National Security Concerns
Both leaders highlighted national unity in the face of external threats. Referring to Indian aggression in early May, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s military response was strong and decisive. He also stressed the need for water security and announced a four-province consultation on increasing storage capacity.
Political Differences Set Aside
Despite PTI and PML-N’s political rivalry, CM Gandapur said he was putting differences aside for Pakistan’s unity and development. “We are united for the country’s defense and sovereignty,” he stated.
