Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday met legislators and political leaders of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and discussed with them the “big picture political landscape” of the country, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“Prime Minister Shehbaz discussed the current overall political landscape with legislators and KP leaders, and also reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects in the province,” the statement read.
“The meeting focused on federal efforts to boost socio-economic development in KP and improve coordination between the Center and provincial stakeholders,” the state government said. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
The premier emphasized the “need for sustained political commitment to ensure stability and growth in the province,” according to the report.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz “emphasized that the KP remains a key priority on the national agenda.”
The prime minister also “directed relevant authorities to accelerate key infrastructure and welfare projects.”
The PTI-led KP government’s relationship with the federal government has become increasingly strained in recent weeks, particularly over counterterrorism efforts.
The PTI, which has been in power in KP since 2013, opposes military operations, which are also resisted by tribal people, often leading to displacement.
On October 20, newly elected KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi claimed that the resurgence of terrorism being witnessed in the province was due to the “flawed policy” of the federal government.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist incidents, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the state in November 2022 and vowed to attack security officials, police and LEA personnel.
He also criticized the Center for not providing funds to the KP allocated under the country’s ongoing war against terrorism or “other constitutional rights”.
