PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assured Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur that the federal government would address the province’s pressing challenges with urgency and seriousness. The premier pledged to establish a high-level committee to thoroughly review and resolve the concerns raised by the KP leadership.

Speaking at a tribal jirga in Peshawar, PM Shehbaz emphasized the federal government’s commitment to constructive dialogue. The proposed committee, he stated, will work in close coordination with the KP chief minister, governor, and tribal elders to develop actionable solutions. “We will sit together and carefully examine all the issues brought forward by the KP government,” the prime minister said, adding that certain matters may also be referred to Parliament for broader consensus.

Strained Relations and Security Concerns

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led KP government has been at odds with the PML-N-led federal government over a variety of concerns, particularly in relation to terrorism and development funding. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, terror attacks in Pakistan have intensified, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan facing the brunt of the violence.

Despite a recent decline in overall violence—reported by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS)—these two provinces still account for nearly 98% of all conflict-related fatalities. While militant losses have recently outpaced those of civilians and security forces, the threat remains potent, especially with incidents such as the hijacking of the Jaffar Express marking a dangerous shift in insurgent tactics.

PM’s Address: Commitment to KP and National Unity

PM Shehbaz lauded the resilience and patriotism of the people of KP, acknowledging their historic sacrifices for Pakistan. “This is a great province with a proud history,” he said, adding that the bravery of its people will be etched in the nation’s memory.

Touching on fiscal matters, the prime minister noted that the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award has not been reviewed in 15 years and announced an upcoming meeting in August to revisit its terms. He acknowledged the Rs700 billion support extended to KP over the years and emphasized the need to improve police capacity through better training and equipment.

Addressing India’s recent unprovoked aggression in early May, PM Shehbaz credited Pakistan’s armed forces for delivering a strong and unforgettable response. He called for national unity in the face of external threats and emphasized the importance of bold, collective decision-making for the country’s future.

He also discussed Pakistan’s international standing, citing positive feedback from his recent visits to four countries. Additionally, he highlighted the strategic need to expand water storage, especially in light of Indian threats to disrupt water flow, and promised a joint provincial consultation on the matter.

CM Gandapur’s Demands: Justice for Tribal Districts

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Gandapur used his platform at the jirga to demand that the federal government fulfill its longstanding promises to the people of the merged tribal districts (formerly FATA). Stressing that political differences had been set aside in the interest of national unity, Gandapur insisted on the urgent release of KP’s full share from the NFC Award.

He called on the central government to refrain from imposing new taxes in the war-affected tribal regions, stating that their residents were not financially equipped to bear such burdens. “These communities have already suffered due to terrorism and now require investment, not taxation,” he said.

The chief minister also demanded immediate funds for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and denounced the continued drone strikes in the region, which he said were endangering innocent civilians.

“We’re not asking for charity — we’re asking for our rightful share,” Gandapur declared. He urged the federal authorities to honor their financial commitments and facilitate KP’s development without delay.

The Way Forward

With both federal and provincial leaders expressing willingness to cooperate, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether concrete steps will follow these high-level assurances. As KP continues to deal with complex challenges—from security threats to fiscal constraints—the outcome of this renewed dialogue will be closely watched by political observers and citizens alike.