Khyber Pakhtunkkhwa demands immediate release of federal dues
Shafi Jan also criticized the federal government for unannounced cuts and delayed release of the provincial tax share
PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the federal government’s “unfair and discriminatory attitude” towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly regarding the province’s constitutional and financial rights.
Speaking to a television news channel, he strongly rejected the federal government’s “hostile approach,” stating that the province has been deprived of its legitimate dues for several months—an issue that is directly impacting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economic situation and development process.
Shafi Jan said that under the 25th Constitutional Amendment, the federal government is obligated to provide Rs100 billion annually for the uplift of the merged districts. “Unfortunately, these funds have not been released till now,” he said, adding that due to this non-payment, several development projects in the merged districts have come to a standstill. This delay, he noted, is not only affecting the public but also hurting the security situation.
He further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives an additional one percent share in the NFC Award under the War on Terror, yet billions of rupees in net hydel profit arrears also remain unpaid by the federal government. “These payments are the constitutional and legal right of the province, and their timely release is essential for strengthening the financial stability of the province,” he emphasised.
Shafi Jan also criticized the federal government for unannounced cuts and delayed release of the provincial tax share, saying that although the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has maintained strict financial discipline, federal non-cooperation is severely undermining the province’s financial autonomy.
He demanded that the federal government immediately clear all outstanding dues and acknowledge the legitimate rights of the province.
He warned that if the centre fails to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, the provincial government will pursue all constitutional, legal, and political avenues to secure its rights, including taking the matter to Parliament and the courts, if required.
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