Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan has revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is grappling with liabilities of approximately Rs 4 trillion owed to the federal government, with several key payments yet to be completed.
Speaking to the media, Shafi Jan highlighted that hydropower profit payments remain pending, while transfers under the windfall levy have not been made. He also criticized discrepancies in federal figures regarding pensions for KP employees, stating that the released data does not accurately reflect the province’s entitlements.
“The outstanding amounts continue to accumulate,” Shafi Jan said, noting that the province has yet to receive its full share of hydropower payments, windfall levy transfers, and excise duty on petroleum gas profits. He emphasized that these funds are long overdue and that the federal government’s delays have hampered provincial development.
Shafi Jan also raised concerns over the lack of an updated National Finance Commission (NFC) award, particularly after the merger of former FATA with KP. According to him, KP earned around Rs 1,375 billion until 2018-19, but only Rs 70 billion was released under the IP framework over a 15-year period. He added that federal investments have decreased by over Rs 50 billion and Rs 17 billion for housing projects remain unreleased.
The Special Assistant stressed that fair distribution of resources is essential for KP’s development and the welfare of its citizens. He called on the federal government to expedite pending transfers and ensure transparency in all financial dealings affecting the province.
Shafi Jan’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about provincial financial rights, highlighting the pressing need for timely disbursement of funds and the updating of financial frameworks to reflect current realities.
