Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the province effectively presented its case during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, firmly advocating for its constitutional, financial, and developmental rights. Speaking to the media after the session, the chief minister revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured that regular meetings would be convened to update the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award within 180 days.
Afridi added that if consensus is not achieved within the stipulated timeframe, a summary will be forwarded to the president for the issuance of a presidential order to revise the award. He described the inclusion of the financial share of the merged districts in the new NFC Award as a significant positive development for the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those in the merged areas.
Regarding the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts, the chief minister noted that proposed cuts had been notably reduced following negotiations. However, the provincial government has strongly demanded further enhancements. He expressed optimism that additional improvements would be incorporated into the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and AIP to ensure that development benefits reach the residents of these regions promptly.
The chief minister also referenced Article 151 of the Constitution, which mandates the federal government to ensure the free movement of essential commodities. He stated that if implementation of this article is not feasible, the relevant clause should be repealed to allow provinces to formulate their own policies. He further disclosed that, under an agreement with the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASCO), 175,000 tons of wheat would be supplied to the province at a fixed rate, with the federal government assuring no increase in wheat prices.
Law and Order and Development Priorities
Highlighting the province's efforts on law and order, Afridi said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is making the largest investment in peace and security across the country. Since October 5, 2025, over Rs30 billion has been spent on enhancing the capacity of the police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and Special Branch. He vowed to continue strengthening these departments to ensure the protection of life and property.
The chief minister emphasized that working relations with the federal government would be advanced while keeping provincial and public interests in mind. Participation in NEC and NFC meetings is essential for protecting provincial rights and public welfare. He reiterated that education, health, and law and order remain the top priorities of the provincial government.
Health Card and Environmental Initiatives
Afridi called the Health Card a revolutionary project of Founder Imran Khan, through which every citizen of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is being provided free medical treatment. On the environment, he noted that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa contributes approximately 45 percent to Pakistan's total forest cover, with 26.7 percent of the province's total area under forests. He announced that a special fund will be allocated for the promotion of forests. Instead of allowing the cutting of trees on private land, the provincial government would purchase them directly and compensate owners to encourage tree planting.
