Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday discussed the security situation in the province in detail during an hour-long meeting in Islamabad.

According to sources, Afridi expressed concerns about the prevailing security conditions in KP during the meeting and briefed the prime minister about the challenges faced by the provincial government in maintaining peace.

The meeting also covered matters regarding the payment of federal dues and the latest developments in the region.

The prime minister directed his economic team to look into the pending dues of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amounting to Rs26 billion.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi, and KP’s Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam also attended the meeting.

Cooperation for peace and progress

A statement issued after the meeting said the two leaders emphasised the need for increased cooperation between the federal and provincial governments for the development and prosperity of the people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and provincial authorities for maintaining law and order in the province.

Shehbaz said, “Efforts must be increased to ensure peace in the province. The provincial government should strengthen its counter-terrorism institutions to tackle the growing security challenges.”

He further stated that both federal and provincial governments would continue joint efforts to eliminate terrorism completely and that the provincial government should fulfil its constitutional responsibilities for the restoration of peace and public welfare in KP.

Shehbaz Sharif assured full support for the province’s development projects and infrastructure improvements, emphasising the importance of working together for the region’s growth.

The prime minister stressed that close coordination between the federal and provincial governments is crucial for achieving national unity, stability, and prosperity.

Shehbaz Sharif assured Sohail Afridi of the federal government’s continued support for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including improvements to infrastructure.

He emphasised that the federal government follows a vision of inclusive development and would work collaboratively with all provinces to achieve national unity and stability.

Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated that consultation and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments would play a vital role in achieving the country’s broader goals of national unity and prosperity.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that he received an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to meet and discuss matters concerning the province’s current affairs.