Saif asks Centre to release KP funds

PESHAWAR: Advisor to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said on Wednesday that if the federal government is serious about addressing terrorism, it must strengthen Khyber Pakhtunkhwa economically by releasing the province’s due payments, including outstanding dues from hydroelectric power and terrorism-related funds.

In a statement, he lamented that despite repeated reminders, the province is still being denied its rightful share.

The adviser pointed out that while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is battling terrorism, its financial resources are being withheld, even though terrorism is a national issue, not just a provincial one.

He criticized the non-disbursement of funds for the newly merged tribal districts after the Fata merger.

The adviser complained of discriminatory treatment to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that terrorism is a grave issue that should not be politicized.

Meanwhile, he said that following the directives of the party’s founder, Imran Khan, the PTI leadership spent Eid with the families of martyred workers and imprisoned party members.

He said that Imran Khan is a great leader who, despite being incarcerated himself, remains deeply concerned about his party workers.

A true leader, he said, does not worry about himself but rather about his people, unlike Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, whom he accused of prioritizing personal interests.