Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREEN GRAB
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohaib Afridi has said that inter-provincial trade is a fundamental constitutional right of all provinces under Article 151 of the Constitution and no province has the legal authority to restrict the movement of food or grain across borders.
He made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination, which called on him in Peshawar on Wednesday.
The delegation congratulated Chief Minister Afridi on his induction and held detailed discussions on governance, economic cooperation and inter-provincial relations.
During the meeting, the issue of restrictions imposed by the Punjab Government on the free movement of wheat was under special consideration. Chief Minister Afridi said that while political differences are a part of democracy, essential commodities like food should never become a political tool.
“The right to trade freely between provinces is guaranteed by the constitution. No province can legally block the supply of food or essential goods to another,” he argued. He further noted that disruptions in the flow of wheat and flour not only harm inter-provincial harmony, but also directly affect the economic welfare of ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to address the ongoing wheat supply challenges and emphasized that effective inter-provincial cooperation is essential to ensure food security and economic stability across Pakistan.
He praised the Senate delegation for playing a constructive role in strengthening relations between the federation and the provinces, describing them as “ambassadors for the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.”
The delegation included Senators Dilawar Khan, Mohsin Aziz, Naseema Ehsan, Nasir Mahmood, Hidayatullah Khan, Niaz Ahmad and Musaddiq Masood, among others. Advisor to the Finance Minister Muzzammil Aslam, Food Secretary Shah Mahmood and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Afridi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of the province while promoting unity, economic growth and mutual respect among all federating units.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Afridi has ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the recruitment of paramedical staff in Mohmand district.
Following his instructions, the Establishment Department has set up a special inquiry committee to look into the matter.
According to an official release issued by the Chief Secretary’s office, the committee consists of Director General Sports Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Tashfeen Haider and Additional Secretary Finance, Irshad Ali. The committee has been tasked to complete the investigation and submit its report within seven days.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that transparency and merit must be strictly maintained in all government recruitments. He reiterated that the provincial government would not tolerate nepotism, corruption or any illegal practice in the recruitment process. All appointments, he said, must be made solely on the basis of competence, honesty and fairness.
