PM Shehbaz, Kundi stress enhanced efforts for 'harmony' between Centre, KP

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized the urgency for heightened efforts to foster "harmony" between the federal government and the province, as well as resolving the concerns of the province's populace, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting, held in Islamabad, also touched upon the province's "overall political situation," law and order matters, and areas of mutual interest, with additional participants including Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

Addressing the frequent disagreements between the federal government and the PTI, which currently governs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the federal government's commitment to KP’s advancement and the well-being of its residents. The province has been in contention with the central authority over matters such as funding provisions and security operations within the region.

Furthermore, the party has been advocating for the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since 2023. In response, the PTI has organized multiple demonstrations demanding his freedom and has accused both the federal government and neighboring Punjab and Sindh provinces of suppressing protests during electoral campaigns.

The recent visit of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Lahore on Monday witnessed a tense encounter with law enforcement authorities, who reportedly abducted and abandoned him roadside. The provincial government refuted these claims, stating that such actions never transpired. Afridi had journeyed to Lahore to mobilize support for an upcoming protest march in Islamabad slated for September 27, organized by the PTI.