Peshawar: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed a joint press conference in Peshawar, expressing consensus on key national and provincial issues, including provincial rights, the NFC Award, law and order, mineral resources, and wheat transportation.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the purpose of his meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman was to develop a joint stance on provincial rights. He said detailed discussions were held on various matters, including the province’s share in the NFC Award. He alleged that the federal government was treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unfairly and depriving its people of their legitimate rights.

The Chief Minister stated that residents of the merged tribal districts still do not enjoy the same rights available to citizens in Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta. He added that these concerns had also been raised before federal ministers, and both leaders agreed to jointly advocate for the province’s rights.

Sohail Afridi termed the restriction on wheat transportation from Punjab a clear violation of Article 151 of the Constitution. He said the matter had been discussed with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and both sides would adopt a united position against the restriction.

The Chief Minister also expressed concerns over gas supply, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces around 500 MMCFD of gas daily, yet the province is still deprived of adequate access to its own natural resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the NFC Award is a constitutional right of the provinces. He maintained that the provincial share could be increased but should never be reduced. He added that all political forces agree on safeguarding provincial rights and autonomy.

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that no one should be allowed to seize the province’s resources or deny its people their due rights. He also expressed concern over the law and order situation, stating that the government's writ had weakened in the southern districts and that the situation required immediate attention.

Referring to the madrasa registration law, he said that the legislation approved at the federal level should be implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in its original form. He added that despite the merger of the former FATA region, many issues remain unresolved, and in some areas even revenue officials and administrative officers cannot operate effectively.

On mineral resources, Fazlur Rehman warned that powerful groups were attempting to take control of the province’s mineral wealth. He stressed that while the state is responsible for protecting these resources, local communities must not be deprived of their rightful share.

He also described the wheat transportation ban as unconstitutional and against human rights, arguing that when the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains closed, restricting wheat supplies to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unjust.

Fazlur Rehman urged the federal government to consult all political parties in finding solutions to national issues. He also called on the provincial government to engage all political stakeholders on matters of law and order, emphasizing that national unity is essential in the current circumstances.

Responding to a question about the budget, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the provincial budget had been prepared in line with the vision of Imran Khan. He noted that minor disagreements during the budget-making process are natural and should not be interpreted as signs of any impending rebellion or political split.