PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued a final warning to the federal government over alleged discriminatory treatment, according to ARY News on Wednesday.
CM Gandapur’s reaction comes in response to the removal of 91 provincial projects from the Public Sector Development Programmes (PSDP) in the upcoming 2024-25 budget.
He criticized the federal government’s actions as biased, stating that after withholding due payments, they are now halting the province’s development projects.
In his final warning to the federal government, CM Gandapur emphasized that KP will not compromise on its rightful entitlements. “We will show the centre how to claim the province’s rights,” he asserted.
On May 25, during a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) meeting, Gandapur outlined KP’s demands, urging the federal government to settle its dues to the province.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he reiterated that his government will not compromise on provincial rights and will not allow any exploitation.
In the apex committee meeting, CM Gandapur opposed the imposition of taxes on the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). He also mentioned that the deadline for electricity dues was discussed.
Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that those responsible for making false cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan should prepare for accountability.
In his address to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Gandapur highlighted the acquittal of the PTI chairman from the Cipher case, emphasizing that those behind the false allegations must be held accountable.
He called for justice and transparency, demanding that the Commission’s report on the matter be made public. “The one who took the name of opening is being called a traitor. People are not fools now,” he remarked, urging the government to acknowledge past mistakes and avoid repeating them.
Gandapur underscored the sacrifices made by the tribal regions, stressing that their resources and rights must be duly recognized. He assured that no requests from the merged districts would go unheard and warned that failure to meet their demands would result in significant action.
“The tribes have sacrificed for this country, but their resources are not being given. They played their role in every difficult time; now they have to be given rights,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister announced several key initiatives aimed at improving the province’s infrastructure and welfare. Among these, the health card amount will be increased to Rs 36 billion, and treatment facilities will be enhanced from Rs 1 million to Rs 2 million.
He pledged the completion of 500 long-standing development projects this year, emphasizing that development would not be limited to ceremonial plaques but would occur in consultation with local representatives.
Gandapur criticized the federal government for cutting the education budget and warned of a strong reaction if development projects were halted. “If the federation stops the development project of the province, it will not leave. The reaction will come and then it will come in a proper way,” he cautioned.
To support the youth of the province, Gandapur outlined a robust plan, earmarking Rs 15 billion for easy loans and skill development.
He also announced a solarization initiative to combat energy shortages, offering free solar facilities to poor residents in load-shedding affected areas and subsidized rates for others. Government offices and residences will also be solarized to reduce energy costs.
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