PESHAWAR: Participants at a seminar on Thursday called for revision of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award that aligns with the needs and contributions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, fostering a collaborative effort to secure province’s rightful share in national resources.

The seminar ‘National Finance Commission Award and case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ held at Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Hall, University of Peshawar, was jointly organised by the Development Insights Lab (DIL) and the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA).

A statement issued here said that the seminar brought together political leaders, academics, financial experts, media representatives and student bodies to discuss KP’s rightful share in the NFC Award.

The seminar featured Dr Fahim Nawaz, deputy coordinator of DIL, and Dr Syed Hussain Shaheed Suherwardi as session moderators. Mohammad Anwar, executive director of CGPA, and Dr Sajjad Ahmad Jan, Coordinator of DIL, briefed the attendees on the initiatives and core areas of work led by CGPA and DIL, emphasising their commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.

Governor urges political representatives to stand united on issue

The event featured insightful presentations, including “The evolution of the NFC Award in Pakistan and international best practices of resource distribution” by Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, associate professor at Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Dr Mohammad Saleem, CEO of Juniper Policy Consulting, spoke on “The 7th NFC Award and its Implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Backdrop of the 25th Constitutional Amendment”. Both sessions highlighted the importance of addressing regional needs and were followed by an engaging Q&A session with the participants.

The seminar’s chief guest, Faisal Karim Kundi, governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and chancellor of the University of Peshawar, emphasised the critical role of collaboration between academia and civil society in advocating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s equitable share in NFC Award, particularly after the integration of the newly merged districts (NMDs) into the province.

He encouraged political representatives to stand united, suggesting that a cohesive approach would strengthen KP’s position on the NFC.

Prominent political leaders called for an increased financial allocation for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address the province’s unique needs following the integration of the former Fata region. Panelists advocated incorporating the ex-Fata’s 6.6 per cent share into KP’s existing 14.6pc allocation and proposed raising KP’s security budget from 1 to 3pc to better manage the law and order challenges.

Distinguished political representatives including Ahmad Karim Kundi (PPP), Taimur Saleem Jhagra (PTI), Inayatullah Khan (JI), Naeema Kishwar (JUI), Khushdil Khan (ANP), and Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao (QWP) emphasised the need for fair distribution of national resources to meet KP’s changing demands. The panel called for a unified stance, transcending political affiliations to advance productive debates on equitable resource allocation at the federal level.

The session underscored the importance of a collaborative approach for KP’s future growth and security, highlighting that increased budgetary support is essential for sustainable development in the region.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted the severe economic impact of terrorism on KP’s economy and tourism, urging an increased resource focus to bolster the province’s security and development.

He underscored the importance of political unity, stating, “If Pashtun leaders can come together for PTM, they can also unite for their own rights as well”.

University of Peshawar Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Naeem Qazi commended the creation of Development Insights Lab, expressing hope that it would aid in evidence-based policy-making and thanked political representatives for their support of this new initiative.

He noted the pressing need to finalise the NFC Award to ensure national and provincial development.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024