Islamabad, February 2, 2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held his first official meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday at the PM House in Islamabad, emphasizing the need for close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the welfare and development of KP.
The leaders discussed key issues including provincial finances, pending federal allocations, development projects, and counterterrorism measures. According to state broadcaster PTV News, the Prime Minister stressed that effective communication and collaboration between the Centre and provinces are essential for national progress and public service.
PM Shehbaz assured CM Afridi that the federal government would provide full cooperation within its jurisdiction for infrastructure development, education, health, and job creation in KP. He described the province’s role in establishing peace as indispensable and urged the provincial government to strengthen departments tasked with counterterrorism and law enforcement.
“The provincial government is empowered. Steps should be taken for the health and education of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people. The federal government has always been striving for the betterment of the KP’s people,” he said.
Highlighting KP as an important unit of the federation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that federal efforts would continue to support the province’s prosperity. He added that national unity, stability, and development can be achieved through mutual consultation and collaboration.
After the meeting, CM Afridi said the discussion had been “a demand of his role” and highlighted issues such as pending NFC funds, Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), Net Hydel Profit (NHP) payments, and other federal allocations. He also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, stating, “Terrorism has no province, country, or religion, and whoever carries out terrorism, we all should condemn it as Pakistanis.”
Afridi said a joint course of action to combat terrorism had been discussed and clarified that no political matters, including his meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan, were raised. He added that the KP government had contributed Rs26 billion from its funds under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) for the merged districts.
PM Shehbaz reportedly directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to meet KP Adviser on Finance Muzzammil Aslam later in the day to address pending financial issues. CM Afridi said further meetings on development and counterterrorism were scheduled, and decisions would be made public once finalized.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam emphasized the need for “excellent coordination” between the Centre and KP, urging a collective stance against militancy and warning against speaking against state institutions. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also welcomed the meeting, noting that without Centre-province coordination, the people suffer.
Since assuming office in October 2025, CM Afridi has repeatedly highlighted delays in the release of funds allocated to KP under the NFC, claiming a shortfall of Rs54.4 billion out of the Rs658.4 billion entitled to the province. The meeting followed a letter by the CM to PM Shehbaz requesting the release of outstanding federal allocations to address what he described as an “acute fiscal and governance crisis” in KP.
The meeting signals a renewed focus on Centre-province collaboration, combining financial clarity with concerted efforts against terrorism to ensure stability, governance, and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
