PESHAWAR: Adviser to KP chief minister on information and public relations Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif has called upon the federal government to immediately convene a meeting of National Finance Commission (NFC) and ensure transfer of the constitutional share of funds allocated for the merged districts to the provincial government before the announcement of budget.

Barrister Saif said the federal government was committing ‘grave injustice’ by holding back the funds meant for the merged districts in clear violation of the constitution, according to a statement issued here on Sunday.

He stressed that the arrears of net hydel profit must also be paid before the budget to help the province manage its financial affairs effectively.

“The KP government intends to provide relief to the merged districts in the upcoming provincial budget, but this cannot be achieved without financial support from the federal government,” he said.

Mr Saif noted that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had formally written multiple letters to the prime minister regarding these critical matters, but no response had been received so far.

He underscored that the development of merged districts was not only a constitutional right of the residents but also essential for lasting peace in the region.

“If the federal government is serious about eradicating terrorism, it must prioritise funding for the merged districts. Terrorism is not just a provincial issue, it is a national crisis, and full cooperation must be extended to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in resolving these issues.”

He also criticised what he described as discriminatory behaviour of the federal government, urging that the province must be given its due share of resources in order to promote national unity.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2025