Islamabad: Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has assured the Federal Government's full support to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in pursuing and facilitating their rightful claims for allocations under the NFC Award and other fiscal matters. He gave these assurances during a meeting with Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Finance Muzamil Aslam in Islamabad today.
According to Radio Pakistan, senior officials from the Finance Division and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also attended the meeting. The discussion focused on a range of fiscal and development matters, including timely release of funds under key development heads for merged districts and outstanding requirements linked to rehabilitation and support for temporarily displaced persons. It also focused on the broader framework of provincial entitlements and allocations, including those related to the National Finance Commission.
During the meeting, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team highlighted the operational and development imperatives in the merged districts. It underscored the importance of predictable and timely releases to sustain ongoing schemes and meet pressing needs on the ground. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team also drew attention to pending obligations in respect of displaced families and other related commitments that require streamlined coordination and resolution.
The Minister for Finance listened to the issues raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation and reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to cooperative federalism and constructive engagement with the provinces. He assured the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's team of the Finance Division's support in pursuing and facilitating their rightful claims for allocations under the NFC and other relevant heads discussed during the meeting, in accordance with applicable rules, agreed frameworks, and due process.
The Finance Minister emphasized that the Federal Government remains mindful of the unique development and security-related challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts. The meeting also reviewed ongoing work and consultations on NFC-related matters, including the need to sustain momentum on technical discussions and sub-group engagements to advance consensus on key issues.
Both sides agreed to continue close coordination through relevant forums and technical channels to address outstanding matters on a priority basis. They also expressed shared understanding to maintain regular engagement and to work jointly toward timely resolution of issues in the national interest.