KP budget: CM urges funds under NFC award for development of merged tribal districts

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jun, 2026) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi here Friday said that since the merger of the tribal districts, the provincial government has consistently urged to provide funding for the merged districts according to the agreed mechanism of the National Finance Commission (NFC).

During his budget speech in the provincial assembly, the Chief Minister said that the term of the 10th NFC Award ended in July 2025, and the 11th NFC Commission has already been constituted. Despite this, no significant progress has been made on the new NFC Award.

He added that unnecessary delay in release of merged districts make negative effects on development works.

The Chief Minister said that during the current fiscal year, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spent approximately Rs. 30 billion from its limited resources to meet the needs of the merged districts.

He further stated that, as a result of the provincial government's continuous efforts, the Prime Minister indicated during the recent meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) that the NFC Award would be finalized within six months.

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According to the Chief Minister, if the 11th NFC Award is not completed within the stipulated timeframe, the constitutional share of the merged districts should be incorporated into the next NFC Award.

Sohail Afridi urged the Federal government to fulfill the Prime Minister's commitment and complete the 11th NFC Award within the promised period so that the merged districts can receive their constitutional and financial rights.

The Chief Minister also called for an early meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address important economic issues facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Net Hydel Profit (NHP), the Tobacco Cess, and oil royalty/excise duty on oil.

He said that the federal government owes the province billions of rupees in outstanding payments under these heads, and their settlement is essential.

He reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to continue making every possible effort to secure the constitutional, financial, and developmental rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those of the merged districts.