Islamabad: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Monday that his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused exclusively on counterterrorism cooperation, governance matters and outstanding financial issues facing the province, ruling out any discussion on political affairs.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting in Islamabad, Afridi said the talks covered joint efforts to combat terrorism, the National Finance Commission (NFC) share, Net Hydel Profit (NHP), and pending federal dues owed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the prime minister assigned relevant ministries, including the Planning Ministry, to follow up on the financial matters.

The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, was the first between the two leaders since Afridi assumed office in October last year. It was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, and KP’s adviser on finance Muzzammil Aslam.

Afridi said both sides agreed to develop a coordinated counterterrorism strategy, noting that the KP government had already spent Rs26 billion from its own resources on the merged tribal districts. He added that around Rs2,600 billion allocated for those districts had remained blocked and that the prime minister had directed authorities to ensure the release of funds.

Referring to the security situation, the chief minister said terrorism must be confronted as a national issue, stressing that it has no religion, province or borders. He highlighted the sacrifices made by residents of Tirah Valley, Kurram and Bajaur, urging caution in public statements that could undermine the dignity of affected communities.

Afridi said a separate follow-up meeting focusing solely on terrorism and security would be held after Eid. He also clarified that there was no discussion during the meeting about the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or any other political matter, describing the engagement as part of his constitutional responsibilities as chief minister.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the prime minister underscored the importance of strong federal-provincial coordination to maintain law and order and accelerate development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reaffirmed the federal government’s support for the province in areas including infrastructure, education, health and employment.