The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has declared a province-wide pen-down strike scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, to protest what it describes as deliberate discrimination in the distribution of federal resources. The grievances focus on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and the allocation of electricity and gas supplies.
In an official announcement, the provincial administration stated that the strike aims to spotlight the perceived unfair treatment by the federal government in financial and administrative affairs. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi emphasized that KP is being economically pressured and marginalized, especially in matters related to the NFC award and energy payments.
Afridi asserted that the federal government is unjustly treating KP in several critical areas. He further claimed that since KP is governed by Pakistan’s most popular leader, Imran Khan, the province faces intentional discrimination. Afridi, this bias extends to the NFC award and the distribution of electricity and gas.
The chief minister confirmed that the pen-down strike would involve government employees suspending routine official duties across the province, though emergency services will continue to operate. Afridi also raised concerns about the medical treatment of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, stating they are not receiving care under their personal physicians’ supervision. He condemned the denial of Imran Khan’s permission to meet his family and lawyers as both inhumane and unlawful.
Appealing to lawyers who uphold constitutional and legal principles, Afridi urged their participation in the strike. He also called on civil society members to join the protest, reinforcing the demand for justice and fairness in resource allocation.
This announcement is anticipated to escalate tensions between Islamabad and the KP government, which have frequently clashed over fiscal transfers, resource sharing, and administrative control. The federal government has not yet issued a response to the allegations or the strike notice.
In a broader context, the strike occurs amid a prolonged dispute over the NFC formula that governs the distribution of federal revenues among Pakistan’s provinces. The NFC is currently working on a new award, with disagreements persisting over claims related to the 2018 merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into KP.
KP contends that the merger, which increased its population by approximately 6.1 million, entitles it to a larger share of federal funds. The province has demanded an increase in its NFC allocation and arrears amounting to nearly 980 billion rupees since 2018 through an interim arrangement.
However, other provinces such as Punjab and Sindh oppose retrospective changes, arguing that constitutional allocations require consensus. Sindh’s representatives have rejected any interim award, while Punjab maintains that the NFC lacks the authority to make such adjustments.
The federal government has expressed willingness to address legitimate concerns but insists on a consensus-driven solution. The dispute also involves issues like net hydel profit payments and funding for internally displaced persons, with KP claiming it receives less than its rightful share compared to other provinces.
Negotiations continue without a resolution to date, leaving the situation unresolved as KP moves forward with its protest plans.
