PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government raised the issue of financial resources for the merged districts during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, with Information Minister Shafi Jan describing the discussions as an important step toward addressing the province’s constitutional and fiscal concerns.

According to a statement issued by the provincial government, the NEC meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by chief ministers, senior federal officials, and provincial representatives. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was represented by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, and the Chief Secretary.

The meeting reviewed the Annual Development Programme and broader national development priorities. During the session, the KP delegation highlighted the issue of resource allocation for the merged districts, arguing that the National Finance Commission (NFC) distribution formula had not been revised following the merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to Shafi Jan, the chief minister told the meeting that the development needs of the merged districts require a fair allocation of financial resources and that the province continues to face an additional fiscal burden.

The provincial minister said the prime minister acknowledged the demand and assured participants that efforts would be made to resolve the issue within six months. He added that if a consensus-based solution is not reached, the federal government may consider constitutional options under Article 160(6) related to the NFC framework.

Shafi Jan described the development as significant progress on the issue of financial rights for the merged districts.

The KP delegation also raised concerns regarding restrictions on the inter-provincial movement of wheat and flour. According to the provincial government, the prime minister directed the removal of such restrictions and agreed that wheat supplies would be provided to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in accordance with existing arrangements.

The provincial government further stated that discussions were held on financial matters linked to national strategic requirements. According to Shafi Jan, the chief minister maintained that any decision carrying major financial or political implications would require consultation with the party leadership before a final commitment is made.

Shafi Jan said the provincial delegation advocated for the province’s constitutional and financial interests during the meeting and reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing available constitutional and legal avenues to safeguard the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the merged districts.

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