KP Government Accuses Federal Government of Unfair Treatment
PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has escalated its confrontation with the federal government, warning of “widespread agitation” over a crippling compressed natural gas (CNG) crisis and accusing the Centre of unconstitutional and discriminatory policies. In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi demanded immediate intervention to restore gas supplies to the province’s CNG sector, citing a severe threat to law and order.
In his letter, CM Afridi argued that the curtailment of gas is unconstitutional, as Article 158 grants the province the first right to use its natural resources. He highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a substantial gas surplus, producing approximately 494 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) while consuming only around 120 mmcfd. The CNG sector’s requirement of 36-40 mmcfd, he noted, has been unjustly diverted. The Chief Minister also cited a Peshawar High Court ruling that deemed the closure of CNG stations an infringement on lawful business.
Later, in a joint press conference with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the provincial leadership broadened their grievances, decrying the “unfair treatment” being meted out to KP. CM Afridi condemned Punjab’s restrictions on inter-provincial wheat movement, stating it violates Article 151 of the Constitution and has resulted in KP’s residents buying the most expensive flour in the country. He accused the federal government of politically discriminating against the province despite its contributions of oil, gas, and electricity to the national grid.
Governor Kundi echoed these sentiments, questioning why KP, which produces over 500 mmcfd of gas, was not receiving its required share. He pointed out the paradox of a federal fuel conservation drive while the primary affordable alternative, CNG, remains unavailable to taxi drivers and public vans. The leadership also blamed “failed policies” by the state for the resurgence of terrorism in the province, warning that the people of KP would bear the brunt of such decisions.
As a sign of protest, CM Afridi has instructed his administration not to cooperate with federal directives related to gas supply curtailment. This move follows a series of accusations by the CM since taking office, alleging that the federal government is deliberately withholding funds allocated to KP, particularly for the merged districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
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Updated: 2:40 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
In response to the provincial government’s statements, Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership for alleged corruption, mismanagement, and an unnecessary expansion of its cabinet. The provincial leaders have also expanded their grievances, now accusing the federal government of financial injustice by withholding funds.
Updated: 2:00 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur joined the governor in decrying federal policies. The leaders specifically condemned the federal government for the closure of CNG stations, citing it as a key injustice against the province.
Updated: 1:17 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Provincial officials also blamed failed federal policies for the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They warned that the provincial government would stand with the public against these actions.
Updated: 11:27 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
In the National Assembly, opposition members protested by surrounding the Speaker’s dais before staging a walkout over their grievances. Separately, opposition leaders held a meeting to consult with legal experts. They also continued to demand court-ordered meetings with the PTI founder in jail.
Updated: 10:49 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The provincial leadership accused the federal government of forcing the province into a damaging position by deliberately withholding funds. They have formally demanded the immediate release of all outstanding financial dues owed to the province.
Updated: 10:15 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
Provincial leaders specified their grievances, citing the suspension of wheat supplies, the closure of CNG stations, and the inequitable provision of electricity. The Chief Minister has also written to the Prime Minister to formally register these complaints.
Updated: 7:35 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The provincial opposition has joined the government to form a united front, with Opposition Leader Ayub Khan stating that injustice against the province is unacceptable. Responding to the accusations, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for poor governance, corruption, and unnecessarily expanding its cabinet.
