Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Adviser Barrister Saif has called on the federal government to urgently convene a National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting before the announcement of the upcoming budget. He also demanded the immediate release of KP’s financial share, particularly for the merged tribal districts.

Addressing a press conference, Barrister Saif emphasised that the development of the formerly Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) hinges on the timely release of funds. He said that delays from the federal government are obstructing the KP government’s efforts to finalise a relief package for these underdeveloped regions in the forthcoming budget.

“The arrears of the net hydel profit must also be cleared before the budget session. These funds are essential for KP to uplift the merged districts,” Saif said, accusing the federal government of unlawfully withholding the province’s rightful share.

He revealed that the KP Chief Minister has already written two separate letters to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning the financial issues of the merged districts and the unpaid hydel profit, but no response has been received.

Barrister Saif warned that neglecting the development of the merged areas could have serious security implications. “If the federal government is truly committed to counterterrorism, it must release the funds without delay. This is a national issue, not just a provincial one,” he stressed.

He further criticised the federal government’s treatment of KP, likening it to that of a "stepchild," and warned that such discriminatory behavior could hinder peace and progress in the region and beyond.

“The federal government must stop its stepmotherly attitude and cooperate fully if it wants peace and prosperity across the country,” Saif concluded.