PM Shehbaz, CM Sohail Afridi discuss Centre-KP cooperation

Islamabad (Web Desk): Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a one-on-one session at the Prime Minister’s House (PM) on Monday, at a time when friction between the centre and the province has been intensifying over security concerns and the displacement of residents from Tirah Valley.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting later expanded to include Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, and K-P Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam.
Speaking to newsmen following the meeting, Afridi said that he had conveyed his sympathies regarding the situation in Balochistan.

The KP CM said that the discussion also focused on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and other pending payments owed to the province.

The prime minister instructed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to sit down with Muzammil Aslam to work through those financial matters.

Afridi shared that additional rounds of talks were likely in the coming days. He noted that the issue of terrorism also came under discussion, but emphasized that political matters were not part of the conversation.

He further clarified that the subject of arranging meetings with jailed former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail never came up, nor did he make any request in that regard.

As per the PM Office statment, PM Shehbaz stressed that close collaboration between federal and provincial governments is essential for the progress and well-being of the people of KP.

The prime minister pointed out that coordination between Islamabad and Peshawar is particularly important for maintaining law and order in the province.

He urged the K-P administration to step up its efforts to ensure peace and stability, and to further reinforce provincial institutions to tackle terrorism.

The premier said both governments would continue working together with the shared aim of eradicating militancy.

PM Shehbaz underlined that maintaining law and order and safeguarding public welfare fall within the constitutional responsibilities of the provincial government.

He also noted that the K-P administration has the authority to take meaningful steps in sectors such as health and education.

Describing KP as a vital part of the federation, the prime minister said the federal government has consistently worked for the province’s development and would keep doing so within its constitutional scope.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of effective coordination between the federation and the provinces for national growth and improved public services.

He pledged federal cooperation, within its mandate, in development initiatives, infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and employment generation in KP.

The premier added that the centre remains committed to engaging with all provinces under a framework of balanced development, saying that unity, stability, and prosperity can be strengthened through consultation and joint efforts.

Earlier on Sunday, while speaking at a jirga, CM Afridi said the prime minister had invited him for dialogue on provincial rights and that he intended to present PK’s case with determination. Afridi said his visit was aimed at advocating for the province’s rights and securing its outstanding financial dues.