Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for the first time in a one-on-one meeting on Monday, a development analysts described as a positive step at a time of strained political and financial ties between the federal government and provinces.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s House, where both leaders discussed national, provincial and governance-related issues, according to sources familiar with the talks.
During the closed-door meeting, the prime minister and the chief minister exchanged views on strengthening working relations between the federal and provincial governments, ongoing development projects and public welfare initiatives, the sources said.
The discussions came amid longstanding concerns over coordination, resource allocation and fiscal pressures faced by provinces.
Following the one-on-one interaction, Chief Minister Afridi met the prime minister again along with a delegation that included KP Finance Minister Muzammil Aslam. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also attended the delegation-level meeting.
Officials said the talks focused on the province’s financial challenges, the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, outstanding federal dues and the release of development funds.
According to media reports, Afridi briefed the prime minister on reform measures underway in the province, particularly in the health sector.
He said the KP government was taking practical steps to strengthen the primary healthcare system to ensure quality medical services at the community level. Health and education, he added, remain top priorities for the provincial administration, with increased investment being directed toward both sectors.
Afridi also welcomed support from international partners, including the World Bank, for ongoing reforms.
The overall financial situation of the province also came under discussion, with emphasis placed on federal support and equitable distribution of resources.
Prime Minister Shehbaz assured the provincial leadership of cooperation, saying the federal government believed in working with all provinces and viewed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s development as integral to national progress, according to officials.
Political analysts said the meeting could help build trust between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and may contribute to improved inter-provincial coordination and political stability in the coming days.
They added that direct dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government and the federal leadership was a welcome development, with expectations of constructive outcomes.
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