KPK CM Ali Amin Gandapur promises to struggle for NFC rights, refuses debt dependence

Gandapur asserted that the provincial government is dedicated to bringing essential services such as healthcare, education,

While addressing a recent speech on his visit to Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur said that the province would struggle for its rights at all forums, declaring that if the National Finance Commission (NFC) award is not respected, they would claim it through all legal channels, including courts.

Gandapur asserted that the provincial government is dedicated to bringing essential services such as healthcare, education, and facilities to the doorstep of the people. He underlined the improvement over the last 13 months, adding that the government has streamlined debt and improved the management of finances, removing the previous mismanagement from the system.

The CM also stated that funds for development would be distributed in each constituency in the next budget so that issues at the grassroots level are addressed in time. He was optimistic about the self-sufficiency of the province, reiterating that they would not seek loans to gain independence.

Gandapur also maintained that the Pashtuns’ sacrifices for Pakistan and Kashmir have not been respected, and the province would keep insisting on its constitutional rights, with its forthcoming budget set on the welfare of the people.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur has warned the federal government that if the National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting is not convened, he will lead a protest with the people of the province, police, and government employees.

During a press conference in Islamabad following his meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, the KP Chief Minister stated that PTI Chairman believes that negotiations are the only solution to the ongoing terrorism in the country.

He claimed that during PTI’s tenure, there was no terrorism, but after their government was removed, actions were taken against them instead of focusing on real issues.

Gandapur emphasized the need to establish Terms of Reference (TORs) for negotiations with Afghanistan, stating that there is no alternative solution. He accused the federal government of lacking capacity and urged them to avoid politicizing security matters.

He further stated that federal institutions have been taking action, while the KP government has provided PKR 30 billion to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other agencies.

The KP Chief Minister declared that the people stand with the security forces, warning that the federal government’s statements are dangerous. He added that peace in Afghanistan is essential for regional stability. Regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, he clarified that KP will not forcibly deport anyone. Instead, camps will be set up for voluntary return.

Ali Amin Gandapur accused the federal government of injustice by withholding NFC funds, demanding the immediate release of PKR 75 billion, excluding electricity debt. He reiterated that KP is part of Pakistan and must receive its due share.

He also mentioned security concerns in Kurram, where the provincial government is providing financial aid, and highlighted the century-old issues in Parachinar, where bunkers are being dismantled. Gandapur criticized the federal government for not fulfilling its promise of providing an aircraft, stating that his helicopter is being used like a rickshaw in the region.

He further claimed that Pakistan faces terrorism because it is an Islamic country and an important site for the prophesied Ghazwa-e-Hind. He linked the increase in violence to US-Pakistan agreements concerning the region’s mineral resources.

Regarding his meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, Gandapur said it happens every two months, asserting that Imran Khan will not strike any deal for personal gain, but negotiations should take place if they benefit Pakistan.

He also pointed out that electricity theft is a shared problem, but despite KP’s full cooperation, some merged districts receive less than three hours of electricity daily. He revealed that KP’s electricity deficit stands at PKR 128 billion, while WAPDA’s total deficit is PKR 500 billion.

Concluding his statement, Ali Amin Gandapur said that street power is irrelevant because PTI already holds all the power. He also welcomed Maulana Fazlur Rehman if he wished to join them, recalling that Imran Khan had warned about political betrayals and that PTI is fighting this battle.