CM, governor accuses Punjab federal government of violating Constitution; warn about public disturbances
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Kundi. Photo: NNI
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday put aside their political differences to jointly demand the province’s constitutional rights, particularly with regard to wheat and CNG supply.
At a joint press conference at the National Jirga Hall of the provincial assembly, the two leaders were joined by President Babar Salim Swati and opposition leader Dr Ebadullah of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
Afridi slammed the Punjab government, saying it was committing “atrocities” against KP by restricting wheat supply. “Article 151 of the Constitution does not allow any ban on inter-provincial movement of food products,” he said, adding that KP residents were forced to buy the most expensive flour in the country.
The Prime Minister noted that KP produced 508 million cubic feet of gas per day, but its CNG stations were not being supplied even though the province’s total requirement was only 150 MMCFD. He invoked Article 158, which gave priority to the gas-producing province to meet its own needs first.
“Punjab has damaged national unity by stopping flour supply,” Afridi said, warning that the KP government was being blamed for the federal government’s failed policies.
Read more: CM Afridi urges restoration of gas supply to CNG sector in letter to PM Shehbaz
He claimed the province was being backed into a corner and warned that continued pressure on people could force them to make extreme decisions.
Afridi further accused the federal government of unconstitutional behavior in multiple development projects and said the province was even providing bridge financing for federal projects. He revealed that Rs 12 billion allocated to the tribal districts had been withheld.
On the law and order situation, the Prime Minister revealed that he had presented a comprehensive plan during a meeting at the Corps Commander’s House, but none of his suggestions were implemented. “If the interference stops and we formulate a strategy together with the KP government, peace can be restored within 100 days,” he said.
Governor Kundi described wheat supply and CNG shutdown as the most pressing issues currently facing the province that are severely affecting the poor. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address KP’s problems with “Shehbaz speed”.
The governor expressed gratitude to Swati for bringing the government and opposition on a single platform for the rights of the province. He said the federal government had imposed a lockdown on one hand and closed CNG on the other, worsening the hardships for the common man.
“KP produces 508 MMCFD gas but consumes only 150 MMCFD. Shutting down CNG is a clear violation of Articles 151 and 158 of the Constitution,” Kundi said, adding that he was in touch with the federal government on the matter.
He stressed that Chief Minister Shehbaz should immediately take note of the issue. The governor warned that the continued denial of legitimate rights, including the province’s share of water, would worsen economic problems in a region already affected by terrorism.
Also read: Kundi urges Center to address KP crisis
“If the poor are denied bread and CNG, they will be forced to take to the streets,” he warned.
Dr Ebadullah said decisions made by the federation must reflect provincial representation. He asked the governor to vigorously pursue the province’s case in his capacity as federal representative.
All speakers emphasized that the KP belonged to all its people and that a collective struggle was needed to guarantee their rights.
