PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) has questioned the federal government’s commitment to resolving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial problems, stating that the payment of the province’s outstanding dues must accompany the prime minister’s announcement of a Rs160 billion development package.
This was stated by the ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain while addressing a joining ceremony organised by the ANP in Wazir Bagh, Peshawar, on Sunday. He said the province was still awaiting payment of its long-standing financial entitlements, including arrears under the AGN Qazi formula, oil and gas royalties and other dues payable by the federal government.
“New announcements alone will not resolve the province’s longstanding financial problems,” he said, questioning when the outstanding amounts would be paid.
Mr Hussain said the imposition of governor’s rule in the province and the declaration of an emergency in the merged tribal districts amounted to an attack on provincial autonomy. The ANP would not accept such measures, he added.
Seeks payment of KP’s outstanding dues, Rs160bn package
He said that even if the measures were taken in accordance with the Constitution, the provincial government’s autonomy and the constitutional rights of the people must be respected. Elected representatives and the public should be taken into confidence on decisions concerning the province’s future, he added.
The ANP leader expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying police personnel and ordinary citizens were sacrificing their lives while the people continued to wait for peace and security.
He called on the government to prioritise the restoration of peace and take concrete measures to address public grievances.
Mr Hussain also voiced concern over reports of people being harassed in the name of shamilat (common land) and the rising cost of living.
Calling for the restoration of trade routes with Afghanistan, he said reopening cross-border trade would help revive businesses, support industrial activity and create employment opportunities.
He demanded that the province’s constitutional rights over its natural resources, including electricity, gas and minerals, be recognised. He also called for a fair distribution of resources under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the clearance of all outstanding federal dues.
Mr Hussain said the growing number of people joining the ANP was encouraging for the party leadership and workers. He described the party as a representative of the Pakhtuns and other oppressed nations and sections of society, praising the efforts of its organisational units and workers.
He reaffirmed that the ANP would continue its struggle for constitutional supremacy, democracy, provincial autonomy and the protection of people’s rights.
Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026
