PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced an agricultural strategy aiming to achieve provincial self-sufficiency across several key food sectors by 2030. Under this framework, the provincial government will expand the food department’s allocation in the upcoming budget to construct modern wheat storage facilities using advanced tech infrastructure.
Chief Minister Afridi announced these targets while addressing a World Food Safety Day event organized by the KP Food Safety and Halal Food Authority at the Chief Minister House. Meanwhile, he stressed that fostering public awareness regarding health standards remains a critical requirement for provincial welfare.
CM Blames Punjab and ’17-Seat Regime’ for Wheat Blockade
During his address, the chief minister launched a sharp political critique against the federal government and neighboring Punjab over supply-chain disruptions. He alleged that the Punjab administration blocked wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ignored multiple formal letters from Peshawar.
“When power is handed over to a regime holding only 17 seats, they do not think about the public interest.”
— Chief Minister Sohail Afridi
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Federal Funding Gridlocks Delay Critical Megaprojects
The chief minister highlighted severe economic disparities, accusing the federal government of systematically depriving KP of its developmental share. Consequently, he identified four major infrastructure projects currently stalled by Islamabad:
- Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC): The provincial government allocated Rs3 billion for this agricultural venture. However, the federal government failed to provide any funds, despite its initial commitment to cover 80% of the project cost.
- Peshawar Northern Bypass: The KP government provided Rs4 billion in bridge financing to keep the project viable.
- Peshawar Bus Terminal: Construction is complete, but the National Highway Authority (NHA) refuses to issue the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for transit access.
- Swat Dam Project: The project infrastructure is ready, but the federal administration is withholding security NOCs required for foreign engineers to visit the site.
Also Read: KP Launches E-Abiana App to Digitise Water Tax
Constitutional Energy Disputes Aggravate Public Crisis
Turning to the ongoing energy crisis, the chief minister warned that federal discrimination is fueling regional resentment. He noted that under the Constitution, the province that produces natural gas retains the first right of use.
According to official figures, KP produces over 500 MMCFD of natural gas but consumes only 150 MMCFD. Despite this surplus, the federal government has severely restricted gas supplies to the province, disproportionately impacting the middle class.
Special Assistant to the CM on Food Dr. Muhammad Asrar, the secretary for food, and the director general of the Halal Food Authority also addressed the seminar, emphasizing institutional enforcement despite these broader administrative bottlenecks.
