PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the prime minister has not shown “Shehbaz Speed” in addressing issues related to the province, adding that wheat should be supplied to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A joint press conference was held by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor, the chief minister, the speaker of the provincial assembly, and opposition leader Dr Ibadullah, during which they collectively demanded the provision of wheat and CNG to the province.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the prime minister has not demonstrated “Shehbaz Speed” in matters concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that the province should not be treated unfairly. He warned that if the people of KP are forced to buy expensive bread, they would take to the streets.
He further stated that they were raising constitutional concerns, and under the Constitution, wheat should be provided to the province in case of shortage. He added that both government and opposition were brought together to discuss the issue, and that the constitutional article regarding CNG is clear.
Kundi said that while lockdowns are imposed and fuel consumption is being reduced, CNG is also being shut down. He claimed that despite repeatedly informing the federal government, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is being treated unfairly in terms of gas, electricity, and water distribution. He added that if the province receives its rightful share of water, it would not require wheat from other provinces.
He urged the prime minister to take special notice of the matter, adding that if injustice is done to the province, they will stand with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said they remain in contact with the Prime Minister.
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Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be treated unfairly or discriminated against. He noted that KP is the largest producer of gas, yet its people are facing discriminatory treatment.
He alleged that Punjab is repeatedly violating the Constitution and committing injustice regarding wheat supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said Article 151 clearly states that no province can block the supply of food items. He claimed that despite informing the federal government, Punjab has not been restrained from such actions.
Afridi further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces electricity, gas, and oil, yet faces unfair treatment in return. He said that according to constitutional provisions, the producing province has the first right of use before others. He warned that flawed policies are damaging peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that the province would bear the consequences of such failures.
He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being pushed towards a point where they must make decisions, stressing that Pakistan is united under the Constitution and any deviation would harm both the public and the country.
Dr. Ibadullah said that detailed discussions were held on CNG and wheat, adding that political differences should be set aside for the sake of resolving the issue. He said they have already been briefed on the matter and emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be properly represented in such forums.
He further stated that the Governor, as the representative of the federation, should accelerate efforts, adding that they are ready to support him in addressing the issues facing the province.