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PM Shehbaz, KP CM Afridi Stress Centre-Province Cooperation in First Meeting
PM Shehbaz Sharif met KP CM Sohail Afridi for the first time, stressing Centre–province cooperation, counterterrorism coordination, and resolving KP’s financial and development issues.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-02
PM Shehbaz, KP CM Afridi Stress Centre-Province Cooperation in First Meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held his first meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, emphasising the need for close cooperation between the Centre and the provincial government to ensure development, peace, and prosperity in the province.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad and was held at the premier’s invitation. Issues related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial matters and counterterrorism efforts were discussed during the interaction.

According to a statement aired by state broadcaster PTV News, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored that effective coordination between the Centre and provinces was essential for national progress and public service. He assured the KP chief minister of the federal government’s cooperation, within its constitutional jurisdiction, for development projects, infrastructure improvement, education, health, and job creation in the province.

The prime minister termed the KP government’s cooperation in restoring peace and improving law and order as unavoidable, urging the provincial administration to strengthen its departments to counter terrorism. He stressed that both the federal and provincial governments must continue joint efforts against militancy, adding that the KP administration should fulfil its constitutional responsibilities to ensure peace and public welfare.

Describing KP as an important unit of the federation, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that the Centre would continue making full efforts, within its jurisdiction, for the prosperity of the province’s people. He also said that national unity, stability, and economic progress could only be achieved through consultation and collaboration among all federating units.

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 after the meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the interaction was necessary given his constitutional role. He added that he conveyed condolences over the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and condemned the violence.

“Terrorism has no province, religion, or country. Whoever commits terrorism must be condemned as a Pakistani,” Afridi said, adding that he had always maintained clarity in condemning such acts.

The KP chief minister said discussions were held on issues including the National Finance Commission (NFC), Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), Net Hydel Profit (NHP) payments, and other pending federal funds. He added that a joint course of action to combat terrorism was also discussed.

Afridi clarified that no political matters were discussed, including issues related to PTI founder Imran Khan. He also stated that the KP government had provided Rs26 billion from its own funds for merged districts under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP).

According to Afridi, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to hold a meeting with KP’s Adviser on Finance Muzzammil Aslam to resolve outstanding issues, with further meetings expected on financial and counterterrorism matters.

Responding to questions about displacement in Tirah and corruption allegations against his government, the KP chief minister dismissed the claims, comparing them to what he alleged were larger corruption issues highlighted in an IMF report on the federal government.

Meanwhile, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam welcomed the meeting, stressing the importance of excellent coordination between the Centre and KP. He said that differences over pending funds should be resolved through dialogue and that politics should be set aside to jointly counter terrorism.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also welcomed the meeting, stating that coordination between the Centre and provinces was essential to avoid public suffering. He said the KP CM’s approach towards the Centre needed improvement and reiterated that no political matters were discussed during the meeting.

The meeting came amid continued tensions over alleged outstanding federal dues. Since assuming office in October last year, CM Afridi has repeatedly accused the Centre of delaying constitutionally guaranteed funds for KP, particularly allocations for merged districts under the NFC.

A week earlier, the KP chief minister had written to Prime Minister Shehbaz, claiming that KP was entitled to Rs658.4 billion under the NFC but had received only Rs604 billion so far, leaving a shortfall of Rs54.4 billion. He warned that the funding gap had created a fiscal and governance crisis in the province and demanded the immediate release of outstanding dues.
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ShehbazSharif

CounterTerrorism

KhyberPakhtunkhwa

CentreProvinceRelations
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