Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday said he will again meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after Eidul Fitr to discuss terrorism and related security matters in detail.
Speaking with journalists after a meeting with the premier in Islamabad, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader said their interaction had not focused on any political matters, but rather governance, security and financial issues facing his province. Securing a meeting with incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan or a meeting between the PTI founder and his sisters was not discussed, he added.
The meeting lasted over an hour and was the first between the two since Afridi assumed office on Oct. 13, 2025. Adviser to the KP Government on Finance Muzzammil Aslam accompanied him, while the prime minister’s team comprised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser to Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah, and Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam.
According to the KP chief minister, Rs. 2,600 billion meant for the merged tribal districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa remains pending and the prime minister has issued directions for its speedy release. He also emphasized that terrorism has no province or country, adding confronting it is a national challenge.
“We are already speaking openly and presenting our position clearly,” he maintained on the province’s position on counterterrorism and governance matters. He lamented that the situation in conflict-affected tribal regions was unfortunate, adding allocation of Rs. 4 billion for displacements from Tirah Valley was virtually nothing for the communities that have borne such heavy losses.
United front
In an official press release, the Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif had underscored the importance of coordination between the center and KP for the welfare and development of the people. Describing collaboration as indispensable to maintain law and order in the province, he said the provincial government must further strengthen its efforts to ensure peace and stability.
According to the statement, the prime minister emphasized on the need to empower provincial institutions to combat terrorism effectively. He said federal and provincial governments would continue joint efforts to completely eliminate militancy. He further called for the provincial government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility for the welfare of the people and the maintenance of law and order in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
On governance and development, Sharif noted the provincial government was empowered to take measures for education, health, and public welfare in the province. He said the federal government has always strived to improve the lives of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, adding the province is an important unit of the federation.
The statement emphasized the importance of close coordination and effective communication between the federal and provincial governments, with Sharif assuring cooperation in developmental projects and infrastructure improvements across KP.
On employment, health, and education, the prime minister pledged support within the federal framework to expand opportunities for the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.