PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Adviser Barrister Saif has urged the federal government to convene a National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting before the upcoming budget and immediately transfer the due financial share of the merged tribal districts to the province.
He emphasised that the arrears of net hydel profit should also be cleared before the budget so KP can utilise the funds for the development of these formerly FATA regions. Saif accused the federal government of unlawfully withholding the financial share of the merged districts.
He noted that the KP government is preparing a relief package for the merged areas in the upcoming budget, but delays from the federal side are hindering progress.
The KP Chief Minister has already written two separate letters to the Prime Minister concerning the financial issues of the merged districts and net hydel profit, yet no response has been received.
Barrister Saif stated that developing the merged districts can significantly reduce terrorism. If the federal government is truly serious about counterterrorism, it must release the funds to KP without delay. He stressed that terrorism is not just a provincial issue but a national one, and thus, the center must cooperate fully with the provincial government.
He lamented that the federal government was treating KP like a stepchild, and such treatment must end to pave the way for peace, development, and prosperity across the country.
Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser, Barrister Dr. Saif, criticised the recent reduction in fuel prices, calling it not even a drop in the bucket.
In a statement, Barrister Saif said that global crude oil prices have been steadily declining, and based on international trends, petrol prices should have been reduced by at least Rs 20 per litre in April alone. However, he alleged that the federal government suspended fuel price cuts twice in April, denying the public much-needed relief.
He further stated that the government was not serious about providing economic relief and pointed out that current global crude prices were even lower than during PTI’s tenure.
According to the provincial adviser, petrol was Rs 150 per litre during Imran Khan’s government, and he described Imran Khan as “the only leader who genuinely provided relief to the people.” Earlier, The government has reduced the price of petroleum products for the next fortnight. The finance ministry has announced the reduction in rate of petrol and high speed diesel by Rs2 each. After the latest adjustment, the per litre price of petrol is Rs252.64 and that of high speed diesel is 256.64. A notification has been released in this regard. –Agencies
