The All Parties Conference (APC) expressed grave concerns about the worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), terming it “dangerous.” A detailed declaration was issued after a lengthy meeting chaired by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House. Sixteen political parties attended the session, while the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the proceedings.
The APC highlighted a sharp increase in violence, with over 70 security personnel martyred last month and more than 200 fatalities reported this year in Kurram. It criticized both federal and provincial authorities for ineffective governance and called for urgent action to address the crisis.
The declaration emphasized the immediate release of funds for tribal districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, inactive for over two years. It noted that 3% of the funds allocated to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have not been disbursed in five years and demanded immediate payment of overdue amounts.
APC leaders proposed reopening historical Pak-Afghan trade routes to boost regional trade and incorporating environmental concerns into the upcoming NFC formula based on census data. They also stressed the need for a comprehensive performance audit of KP’s government to ensure transparency in resource allocation and governance.
The declaration urged the implementation of recommendations by a committee led by former PM’s adviser Sartaj Aziz and demanded public disclosure of information regarding mines and minerals, which it described as a provincial resource. It further called for preferential gas supplies to KP under Article 158 of the Constitution and payment of net hydel profit and federal excise duty on oil under Article 161.
Regular meetings of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the establishment of a Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) were also recommended. The APC advocated for effective local government systems with equitable fund distribution and called for the withdrawal of the 2% IDC. Additionally, it demanded the province’s rightful share of water as per the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.
Kundi Criticizes Governance Failures
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, emphasized the unity of KP’s political leadership, with 99% of political parties present at the APC. He criticized the provincial and federal governments for their inability to address security and governance issues.
Kundi lamented unfulfilled promises to the merged districts, stressing collective action to secure the province’s peace and rights. He announced the formation of two committees—one political and one technical—to engage stakeholders on critical provincial issues.
Citing the loss of over 200 lives in Kurram, Kundi demanded federal efforts to restore peace and criticized the absence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers in tackling KP’s crises. He reiterated the need for regular CCI meetings and the immediate release of local government funds for development.
Kundi asserted that KP’s natural resources belong to its people and future generations, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and urgent federal commitments to address the province’s challenges.
