Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government to conduct a thorough investigation into the utilization of Rs470 billion allocated by the Centre to the province for the purpose of combating terrorism. During a meeting with the political leadership of the province at the Governor House in Peshawar, the prime minister assured the immediate payment of net hydel profits and addressed concerns raised about outstanding dues amounting to over Rs180 billion.
Clearing any ambiguity, Shehbaz stated that the federal government is committed to settling all the dues owed to the province. He emphasized that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government has consistently supported Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and expressed the urgency of timely payments to prevent any financial strain on the province. Furthermore, he urged the provincial government to conduct an investigation into the utilization of the Rs470 billion received from the Centre as part of the 1% National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the war against terrorism. Shehbaz warned that legal action would be taken if the funds were found to have been misused or not utilized for the benefit of the people.
In his address, the prime minister also highlighted the previous government’s mismanagement, which had led the province into a debt trap. However, he assured the government of a substantial share of funds in the upcoming budget and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the ruling coalition parties in resolving the issues faced by the people.
One of the key concerns discussed during the meeting was the flour crisis in the province. Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that his government initiated the provision of free flour, while the Punjab government began supplying flour to the province. These measures have resulted in a decrease in the price of flour, providing relief to the people.
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During another event, where solidarity with Radio Pakistan employees was expressed, Shehbaz condemned the attack on the historic Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar. He highlighted that this act exposed the attackers’ barbaric mindset, displaying a complete disregard for national heritage. The building, established before Pakistan’s independence in 1935, holds significance as the place where the announcement of Pakistan’s independence was made simultaneously with Radio Pakistan Lahore.
Shehbaz condemned the burning of the Chagai hills model, constructed on the premises of Peshawar Radio Pakistan, which commemorated the successful nuclear explosions on May 28, 1998. He equated the rioters responsible for these acts with terrorists and assured that exemplary punishment would be given as per the law. The prime minister also commended the bravery of injured Radio Pakistan employees and provided them with compensation cheques.
Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the urgent rehabilitation of the Radio Pakistan building, ensuring that it can continue to broadcast its strong voice for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. The historical significance of Radio Pakistan, Peshawar, dates back to its humble beginnings in 1935 when radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi gifted a transmitter and radio sets to Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum. The transmission initially started from a single room in the Civil Secretariat and was later relocated to the existing four-storey building in 1985.
In a separate meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Lahore, they discussed the current political situation. Shehbaz praised Bilawal for his efforts in exposing India’s false propaganda regarding the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He also highlighted India’s attempt to mislead the world by organizing the G20 meeting in the occupied territory, emphasizing the need to counter such actions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives for investigation and his commitment to resolving financial issues demonstrate his dedication to ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds. Furthermore, his condemnation of the attack on the Radio Pakistan building underscores the importance of preserving national heritage and upholding the spirit of patriotism.
