Shehbaz Assures Peshawar Jirga That K-P’s NFC Funds Will Continue Until Terrorism Ends
PESHAWAR:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday outlined plans to increase Pakistan’s water storage capacity in coordination with all provinces, stressing that the country’s approach to India’s provocations—especially concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)—will be “more strategic and cooperative.”
Speaking before a representative Jirga in Peshawar, the prime minister highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has been allocated a 1% share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) since 2010 specifically to combat terrorism, and assured that this funding would persist until the threat is completely eliminated.
Shehbaz began his address by commending the people of K-P for their patriotism and courage in the fight against terrorism. He said his visit was to hear public concerns and work towards resolving them.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to protect its water rights under the IWT, he called for urgent efforts to improve the country’s water infrastructure to safeguard the rights of all provinces.
He stated firmly that India cannot unilaterally deny Pakistan its rightful water share or suspend the treaty. “Pakistan is entitled to every drop of water guaranteed under the treaty,” he declared. “We will now take concrete steps to increase water storage within the country to counter India’s threats.”
He emphasized the need to expand existing water storage facilities and accelerate major projects like the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. “A collective decision on water management will be made after discussions with all provinces to boost reserves and thwart India’s harmful designs,” he added.
NFC Award
Addressing the NFC, Shehbaz mentioned that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had raised the issue of reviewing the province’s share. He promised to establish a committee to address K-P’s NFC allocation and other provincial concerns, working closely with the provincial government and military officials.
The prime minister recalled that over Rs700 billion had been allocated to K-P during various periods, with the 2010 NFC Award prioritizing funds for anti-terrorism efforts in the province. “All provinces agreed to allocate 1% of NFC funds to K-P to support its frontline role in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
These funds were used to strengthen the police force, develop the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and enhance law enforcement capabilities. “Funding will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated,” he assured.
However, he noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received comparable financial support under the NFC, suggesting this may require reassessment.
Tensions with India
Shehbaz praised the Pakistani Armed Forces for delivering a “memorable lesson” to India during the May 7-10 confrontation, warning New Delhi that any further aggression would trigger a strong and uncompromising response from Islamabad.
He condemned the enemy’s ambush on the night of May 6-7 that caused casualties among innocent Pakistanis. “Under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army taught India a lesson they will never forget,” he said.
Describing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government as “reeling from defeat and in an agitated state,” he noted India’s threats to use force and cut water supplies. “If India tries to repeat any such move, it will face the same firm response,” he warned.
Shehbaz praised K-P as a crucial province with a proud history of supporting Pakistan, promising to address the concerns of its people. “Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Whenever Pakistan needed them, they stood united above all differences,” he said.
The Jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, other political and military leaders, and tribal elders. The gathering also offered Fateha for civilian and military martyrs.
Focus on Self-Reliance
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to discuss the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project and other water resource issues. He highlighted that constructing new dams is vital to increasing water storage, ensuring agricultural water supply, and preventing floods.
He connected the country’s self-reliance to affordable electricity and agriculture, both reliant on improved water storage and efficient usage. He directed prioritizing the completion of projects like Diamer-Bhasha to build a robust energy production system alongside abundant water reserves.
