Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi held an important meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House today on KP’s deteriorating security situation.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, the Prime Minister stated that close coordination between the federal and provincial governments is essential for the progress, prosperity, and security of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PM Shehbaz described collaboration on maintaining peace and security as “inevitable” and called on the provincial government to further intensify its efforts to establish lasting peace.
He urged the strengthening of provincial institutions in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to continue joint operations until terrorism is completely eradicated from the region.
The Prime Minister said that the provincial government, being fully empowered, must fulfill its constitutional responsibilities in areas such as health, education, and public welfare.
He assured that the federal government remains fully committed to the betterment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — describing the province as “an important unit of the federation” and will continue to extend support within its mandate for development projects, infrastructure upgrades, education, health services, and employment opportunities.
KP CM Sohail Afridi Media talk
After the meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi while addressing reporters, confirmed that the Prime Minister had invited him for the meeting and the two sides expressed condolences over the terrorist incidents in Balochistan, stating, “Wherever terrorism occurs, we condemn it.”
The KP chief minister said the talks were only on provincial issues, particularly a joint strategy to combat terrorism. He said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already spent Rs26 billion on development and rehabilitation in the merged districts.
Afridi revealed that the Prime Minister issued directives to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and others, including instructions for Ahsan Iqbal to meet with relevant officials today. He added that further meetings between the two leaders are planned.
On funding, the chief minister said NFC Award and other financial issues were placed before the Prime Minister.
Sohail Afridi said that no political discussions took place during the meeting. “No political conversation (regarding Imran Khan) occurred with the Prime Minister,” he stated.
He also opened up on the possible meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, saying, “No discussion took place regarding a meeting with Imran Khan.” Afridi added that tomorrow’s scheduled interaction with Imran Khan is for lawyers and family members, and he will not attend.
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