ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Monday that his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif focused solely on governance, security and financial challenges facing the province, dismissing speculation of any political discussions.
The hour-long meeting — the first between the two since Afridi assumed office in October last year — was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam and KP Finance Adviser Muzzammil Aslam.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Afridi said funds worth Rs2,600 billion earmarked for the merged tribal districts had remained blocked and were raised directly with the prime minister.
“The prime minister has directed that these funds be released,” he said.
On the security situation, the chief minister stressed that terrorism was a national issue requiring a collective response, adding that a follow-up meeting would be held after Eid to discuss counterterrorism in detail.
He also rejected reports of any political engagement, saying there was no discussion about meetings involving PTI founder Imran Khan or his family.
Commenting on the country’s economic condition, Afridi described the recent IMF assessment of Rs5,300 billion as a “charge sheet”, pointing to deep-rooted governance and financial weaknesses. He added that allocations such as Rs4 billion were inadequate for conflict-hit regions like Tirah, Kurram and Bajaur, whose residents had made major sacrifices.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said Shehbaz Sharif underscored the need for strong coordination between federal and provincial governments to maintain law and order and promote development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The premier stressed empowering provincial institutions to combat terrorism and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for education, health, infrastructure and employment initiatives in the province.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam later said the meeting reflected a shared commitment to national unity and cooperation, confirming that financial issues, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, were discussed to improve coordination between the centre and the province.