PM Shehbaz, Kundi call for Centre-KP harmony

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday called for greater coordination between the federal government and the provincial administration to promote political harmony and address the concerns of the people.

The two leaders held a meeting in Islamabad, where they reviewed the overall political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the law and order environment and other matters of mutual interest. Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that the federal government would continue its efforts for the development and welfare of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also stressed the importance of working together to resolve issues faced by the people of the province.

The meeting comes amid continued political tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led administration in KP. The two sides have remained at odds over several issues, including funding for the province and security operations.

The PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also repeatedly demanded the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, who has remained incarcerated since 2023. The party has organised several demonstrations in support of Khan and has accused the federal as well as Punjab and Sindh governments of obstructing its political activities.

The political tensions intensified further ahead of PTI’s planned protest march towards Islamabad on September 27.

On Monday, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s visit to Lahore also became controversial after he claimed that law enforcement authorities had briefly detained him and later left him on the roadside. Authorities and the provincial government disputed the claim.

Afridi had travelled to Lahore as part of efforts to mobilise PTI supporters ahead of the party’s planned Islamabad protest.

Against this backdrop, the call by Prime Minister Shehbaz and Governor Kundi for greater harmony between the Centre and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assumes added significance, with both sides facing pressure to improve coordination and focus on resolving issues affecting the province.