Business Recorder
PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined hands on Monday the protection of provincial rights and issues faced by the province. In this connection, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi addressed a press conference jointly and demanded the immediate removal of restrictions on wheat transportation and restoration of CNG supply to the province, terming the measures unconstitutional and discriminatory. Besides, Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati and Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah were also present on the occasion. The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa appreciated the endeavors of the Speaker Babar Saleem Swati for bringing the government and opposition closer on provincial issues and said wheat transportation restrictions and closure of CNG stations had become major concerns for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Governor said the federal government had imposed lockdown measures while CNG stations were also shut down, adding that the poor segment of society was suffering the most due to the suspension of CNG supply. He said the provincial leadership was in contact with the federal government regarding the issue and maintained that closure of CNG in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a violation of the Constitution. Faisal Karim Kundi said the province was also not receiving its due share of water, adding that if KP received its rightful water share, there would be no need to seek wheat from elsewhere. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the CNG closure and address the issues facing the province on a priority basis. The Governor warned that if poor people were denied flour and CNG, public reaction could intensify, stressing that all constitutional obligations should be fulfilled in letter and spirit. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said Article 151 of the Constitution guarantees unrestricted trade among the province and does not allow any province to impose restrictions on the transportation of food items. He alleged that the Government of Punjab was treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unfairly despite repeated letters from the provincial government regarding the issue of flour and wheat transportation. The CM said KP is already providing electricity, gas and other resources to the country but were still forced to buy expensive flour, which he termed unjust. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was producing 508 MMCFD gas while consuming only around 150 MMCFD, yet the province was not even being provided its required share. The CM said Articles 151 and 158 of the Constitution were being violated continuously, adding that discriminatory treatment against the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was harmful for national unity. He also criticized the federal government for not releasing committed funds for projects including CRBC, despite the provincial government contributing its own share. He said the provincial government had formulated a joint strategy with opposition members to fight the province’s financial case and added that durable peace required a unified policy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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