Islamabad : 10 June 2024 – PTI Government of KPK has alleged The Federal Government of showing “criminal indifference” to the voices, demands and plight of the people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Newly Merged Districts NMDs.
The recent decision by the Federal Government to terminate 91 developmental projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has sparked significant concern over the commitment to equitable development and the long-term well-being of the province’s residents.
These projects, essential for the socio-economic upliftment of KP, encompassed critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and energy. Some of these 91 projects have been 70% completed, however, the Federal Government dropped these projects and the details were communicated barely two hours before the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meeting on May 31.
The abrupt discontinuation of these initiatives is alarming, as it threatens to deepen regional disparities and undermine the principles of balanced national growth. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, already grappling with challenges stemming from historical neglect and security issues, stands to suffer disproportionately from this decision.
The halted projects were not mere financial undertakings but vital lifelines poised to address systemic developmental lags and improve quality of life for millions.The project’s cancellation contradicts the decision of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Apex Committee meeting on Jan 3, which determined that all ongoing projects will be completed to save previously invested funds.
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This move raises pressing questions about the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and regional equity. The decision appears to marginalize KP further, potentially widening the development gap between provinces and perpetuating socio-economic inequalities.
Simultaneously, the Federal Government owes to KP Rs.111 billion in Net Hydel Profit including Rs. 78 billion pending liabilities. Deferring such payments push the province into immense financial difficulties.
The people of the merged districts were promised 3% share in the NFC Award and Rs. 100 billion each year for ten years for Accelerated Implementation Program. However, so far, against such grand promises only Rs 163 billions were allocated in the last 5 years and only Rs. 103 billions released. On account of ADP and AIP jointly, the Federal Government released only Rs. 186 billion against allocated 286 billion for the last 5 years.
The Rs. 17 billion annual allocation promised for Temporary Displaced Persons had been reduced to zero creating law and order concerns. The federal government owes Rs40bn in the current fiscal year for the merged districts’ development portfolio. It seems that the Federal Government pays lip service to it’s commitments to the people of the erstwhile tribal areas who paid immense price for the defence and security of Pakistan.
The Indifference of the State towards the sits-in in Chaman and Ghulam Khan reflects apathy towards the concerns of the peripheries. The protestors in Chaman have been exercising their constitutional and democratic right to continuously and peacefully protest for their legitimate demands.
PTI KPK observes the initial apathy the State machinery and the recent crackdown against peaceful protesters further strain the people’s fragile trust in the state institutions. The onus is on the State to reach out to it’s protesting citizens and address their concerns in a democratic manner. The government should form a Parliamentary Committee and negotiate with the protestors in Chaman and Ghulam Khan to find a way out to this impasse.
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