In his first official meeting with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the importance of close cooperation between the federal government and the province for sustainable development and peace. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad and took place at the premier’s invitation.
During the discussion, both leaders reviewed key issues including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial situation and counterterrorism efforts. According to a statement carried by PTV News, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that effective coordination between the Centre and the provinces was essential for national progress and improved public service delivery.
The prime minister assured CM Afridi of federal support, within constitutional limits, for development projects across KP, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment initiatives. He also underlined the need for joint efforts to restore peace in the province, calling cooperation on law and order “unavoidable” and urging the provincial government to strengthen its institutions to counter terrorism.
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to working with all provinces, PM Shehbaz said that the goals of national unity, stability, and prosperity could only be achieved through mutual consultation and collaboration. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam were also present during the meeting.
Speaking to the media afterward, CM Afridi described the interaction as a necessary step in fulfilling his responsibilities to the people of KP. He said discussions covered outstanding provincial issues, including matters related to the National Finance Commission (NFC), Net Hydel Profit (NHP), the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), and pending federal funds. He added that both sides agreed on developing a joint strategy to combat terrorism.
Afridi also condemned recent militant attacks, reiterating that terrorism has no religion, country, or province and must be collectively rejected. He clarified that no political matters were discussed, including issues related to PTI founder Imran Khan.
The chief minister said the federal government had directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to hold follow-up meetings with KP officials to resolve financial concerns, with further sessions planned on counterterrorism. He stressed that his participation in the meeting was driven by the worsening financial and security situation in the province.
Meanwhile, Amir Muqam welcomed the dialogue, calling for “excellent coordination” between the Centre and KP and urging all sides to set politics aside in the collective fight against militancy. He said maintaining consistent communication was essential, particularly given the impact of terrorism on the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
CM Afridi has repeatedly raised concerns over delayed federal payments since taking office last year, maintaining that KP faces a growing fiscal strain due to what he describes as outstanding dues. He recently wrote to the prime minister seeking the full release of constitutionally allocated funds, saying the shortfall had contributed to an acute governance and financial crisis in the province.
