Peshawar
The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination held its inaugural meeting at the Chief Secretary’s Secretariat in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by Senator Haji Dalawar Khan, Chairman of the Committee, and attended by Senators Hidayatullah Khan, Niaz Ahmad, Abdul Qadir, Nasima Ehsan, and Nasir Mehmood Butt, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Food Department, and other relevant institutions.
During the session, the committee reviewed in detail the lack of coordination between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab regarding the inter-provincial supply of wheat. The Secretary of Food (KP) briefed the committee on the province’s wheat reserves and its demand-and-supply situation. It was revealed that KP meets only 17 percent of its wheat requirement through local production, while 83 percent is sourced from Punjab’s open market. However, the Punjab government’s decision in August 2025 to restrict inter-provincial wheat transportation has raised concerns about potential market instability and a looming food crisis in KP.
The Secretary further informed that multiple formal letters had been sent to Punjab authorities requesting the resumption of wheat supply, but no response had yet been received. After detailed deliberations, the committee emphasized that mutual cooperation and fair distribution of resources among provinces are essential for national economic stability and sustainable development.
The members unanimously agreed to resolve the matter amicably with Punjab’s concerned officials to ensure smooth inter-provincial wheat movement. Chairman Senator Haji Dalawar Khan appreciated the active participation of provincial departments and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to addressing issues of national importance through dialogue and coordination while promoting inter-provincial harmony.
Senator Haji Dalawar Khan stated that the core purpose of the committee’s formation is to strengthen coordination between the federation and the provinces to ensure inclusive participation in the country’s overall development and stability. He added that the committee deliberately held its first meeting in a smaller province to hear provincial concerns firsthand and convey them directly to the federal government.
He further quoted the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who expressed optimism by saying: “This committee will act as our advocate and raise our voice at the national level.”
The Chairman announced that the committee’s next meeting will be held in Lahore, Punjab, to include leadership and stakeholders from other provinces. He reiterated that the promotion of mutual trust, respect, and national unity through inter-provincial coordination remains the committee’s top priority.
Senator Dalawar Khan concluded by expressing his resolve that strengthening inter-provincial harmony would enhance national cohesion and open a new chapter of cooperation and confidence among Pakistan’s provinces, ultimately ensuring good governance and shared prosperity for all citizens.
