A bold concern about fairness in resource sharing: merged districts were left out of the NFC discussion.
KHYBER: Former federal minister Hameedullah Jan says that the newly integrated districts did not figure in the recent meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission. In a statement issued locally, he argued that while the NFC meeting is a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s financial framework, promoting economic stability, and ensuring an equitable distribution of national resources, excluding the merged districts from their rightful share amounts to injustice for millions of people affected by terrorism.
He believed there should have been a thorough, meaningful debate on the promised financial assistance and the monetary needs of the region after its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But, according to him, no such discussion occurred.
Afridi, who has served as both MNA and senator representing Khyber district, stressed that urgent action is needed: dedicated funds from both federal and provincial governments targeted at rehabilitation, economic development, peace restoration, and service delivery.
He also criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi—who himself comes from one of the merged districts—for not effectively amplifying the voices of the deprived communities in the merged areas.
According to him, the deprivation faced by these communities could be addressed by increasing the province’s share in the NFC Award. He warned, however, that funds must not be diverted to other districts at the expense of tribal areas.
This summary is based on the Dawn report published December 8, 2025.
