CM, Governor accuses Punjab, federal government of violating constitution; warn of public unrest
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 set aside political differences to jointly demand the province’s constitutional rights, particularly on supply of wheat and CNG supply.
Addressing a joint press conference at the National Jirga Hall of the provincial assembly, the two leaders were joined by Speaker Babar Salim Swati and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ebadullah of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
Afridi strongly criticized the Punjab government, saying it committed “atrocities” against KP by restricting supplies of wheat. “Article 151 of the constitution does not allow any ban on inter-provincial movement of food,” he said, adding that the people of KP were forced to buy the most expensive flour in the country.
The Chief Minister pointed out that KP produced 508 million cubic feet of gas per day but its CNG stations were not supplied despite the total requirement of the province being only 150 MMCFD. He invoked Article 158, which gave priority to the gas-producing province to meet its own needs first.
“Punjab has harmed national unity by stopping flour supplies,” Afridi said, warning that the federal government’s failed policies were being blamed on the KP government.
Read more: CM Afridi calls for restoration of gas supply to CNG sector in a letter to PM Shehbaz
He alleged that the province was being pushed into a corner and warned that continued pressure on the population could force them to take extreme decisions.
Afridi further accused the federal government of unconstitutional behavior on several development projects, saying the province even provided bridge funding for federal schemes. He revealed that Rs12 billion earmarked for the tribal districts had been withheld.
Regarding the law and order situation, the Prime Minister revealed that he had presented a comprehensive plan during a meeting at the Corps Chief’s House, but none of his proposals were implemented. “If the interference stops and we formulate a strategy with the KP government, peace can be restored within 100 days,” he said.
Governor Kundi described the wheat supply and the CNG shutdown as the most pressing issues facing the province at the moment which are seriously affecting the poor. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address KP’s problems at “Shehbaz speed”.
The governor expressed gratitude to Swati for bringing the government and the opposition together on a single platform for the rights of the province. He said the federal government had imposed a lockdown on one side and closed CNG on the other, compounding the hardships of the common man.
“KP produces 508 MMCFD gas but consumes only 150 MMCFD. Shutting down CNG is a clear violation of Article 151 and 158 of the Constitution,” Kundi said, adding that he was in touch with the federal government on the matter.
He stressed that Prime Minister Shehbaz should take immediate notice of the issue. The governor warned that continued denial of legitimate rights, including the province’s due share of water, would exacerbate economic problems in a region already affected by terrorism.
Read also: 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 taken by the federation must reflect the representation of the provinces. He urged the governor to vigorously pursue the province’s cause in his capacity as the federal representative.
All speakers emphasized that KP belonged to its entire people and that collective struggle was needed to secure its rights.
