Latest news with #NFCAward
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM vows strategic response to India's water threat
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced plans to expand country's water storage capacity in consultation with all the provinces, emphasising that Pakistan's response to India's provocations, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), would "be more strategic and collaborative". Addressing a representative Jirga in Peshawar, the prime minister said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) had been receiving 1% share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) since 2010 to fight terrorism, adding that the funding would continue until complete elimination of the menace. The prime minister began his speech with paying tribute to the K-P people for their patriotism and bravery in the fight against terrorism. He told the Jirga he had come to Peshawar to listen to the public grievances and to resolve them. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to securing its water rights under the IWT. He called for urgent measures to enhance the country's water infrastructure to ensure that the rights of the provinces were safeguarded. He said that India could not deprive Pakistan of its rightful share of water or suspend the IWT unilaterally. Pakistan has the right to every drop under the treaty," he declared. "Now, we will take steps to store water in the country to counter India's threats," he said. He called for expanding the existing water storage capacity and accelerating work on major projects, such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. "A decision on water issue will be taken by inviting all provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves, so that India's malicious designs are buried," he said. NFC Award Shehbaz said that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had spoken about reviewing the NFC award. He announced that he would form a committee on K-P's share in the NFC award and the province's issues would be resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, and military officials. The prime minister told the Jirga that more than Rs700 billion funds had been given to K-P during different periods. "The first agenda item of the NFC Award in 2010 was anti-terrorism efforts in K-P," Shehbaz recalled. "All provinces fully agreed to giving 1% to K-P for the fight against terrorism," he added. "That decision was just and appropriate, as K-P has remained the frontline province in the war against terrorism," he said. "These funds were released to strengthen police force, develop CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department], and enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies," he added. "K-P will continue to receive funds until the complete elimination of terrorism," he added. However, he noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received that much financial support under the NFC - an issue he suggested might needed reassessment. Escalation with India Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the Pakistani Armed Force had taught an unforgettable lesson to India in the recent May 7-10 confrontation and warned New Delhi that any repeat of aggression would invite a strong and uncompromising response from Islamabad. Shehbaz said the enemy's ambush in the night between May 6 and 7 killed and injured innocent Pakistanis. "[In response] What the Pakistan Army taught India under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir is a lesson they will never forget," he said. "[Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi's government is licking its wounds after a crushing defeat and it is in an angry and hysterical state. Sometimes they threaten to shoot, other times to cut our water off. If India makes any move again, they will be taught the same lesson." The prime minister termed K-P a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its people. "They have rendered sacrifices that history will never forget. Whenever Pakistan was in need, you put aside all differences and stood united for Pakistan," he said. The Jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and other political and military leaders as well as tribal elders. Earlier, the participants offered Fateha for both civilian and military personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation. Self-reliance Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other matters related to water resources in Islamabad. He said that building new dams was crucial to enhance water storage capacity, ensure water supply for agriculture, and prevent floods. He said that the country's self-reliance was linked to affordable electricity, and its agriculture, which required increased water storage and efficient water usage. He directed for prioritising the completion of projects like Diamer-Bhasha Dam to establish an effective system for energy production and abundant water storage. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz forms committee to review NFC award
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday the formation of a committee to review the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Addressing a jirga on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the prime minister said that the first meeting in this regard is scheduled for August. 'As mentioned by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in his address, I believe now is the time to review the 2010 NFC Award,' the prime minister said, adding that he was constituting a committee to take up the matter. Issues of Balochistan to be resolved amicably: PM Shehbaz He said the first clause of the NFC Award mentions the allocation of funds for the war on terror in KP – a move he described as the 'right decision' that played a key role in combating terrorism in the province. He added that, under this arrangement, KP has so far received Rs700 billion in federal transfers. More to follow.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
BISP chairperson assails PTI for ‘corruption'
PESHAWAR: President Pakistan People's Party Women Wing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid has severely criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its corruption spree in KP and said people of the province were bearing the brunt of mega corruption scams of provincial government. Talking to the media here, Senator Rubina Khalid announced that PPP would hold a massive protest campaign on May 26 to save the province. She urged people to support the protest for removal and accountability of corrupt elements. The PPP leader said PTI has shattered the ideals of justice by engaging in large scale corruption, particularly in KP where the province has seen no progress in the past 13 years. 'Instead of development, the region has plunged into decline due to poor governance and lawlessness,' she said. Rubina Khalid urged the public to rise against those who looted national wealth. 'It is the time for people to question how billions of rupees were gobbled overnight,' she remarked, calling for public trials of corrupt figures. She said that billions of rupees were misappropriated that were meant for the development of Kohistan. She praised the Pakistan Army for its role in defending the country, stating, 'We salute our armed forces for burying the enemy in their trenches. But it is unfortunate that some internal actors now question their sacrifices and demand proof just to seek the release of a corruption-tainted political leader.' She lauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for raising Pakistan's voice on international diplomatic fronts particularly highlighting the Kashmir issue globally. She reiterated that India has proven to be neither a friend nor a trustworthy neighbour. The PPP leader announced that the party's Women's Wing would actively participate in a major protest rally on May 26. She appealed to women to join in large numbers alongside their brothers in what she described as a historic movement against injustice and exploitation. Criticizing the current state of governance, she highlighted increasing unemployment, failing education and healthcare systems and widespread lawlessness in KP. She accused the provincial administration of mismanaging the NFC Award funds and fostering a culture of corruption. 'The time has come to unite and oust the group that has plundered the hard earned money of people,' she said, adding that attacking the federation is treason and not patriotism. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Super tax case hearing today
The Supreme Court will hear the case related to the imposition of super tax on Tuesday (today). The hearing will be conducted by a five-member constitutional bench headed by Senior Judge Justice Aminud Din Khan. Other members of the bench include Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. During the previous hearing, in response to an inquiry by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, FBR's counsel Raza Rabbani informed the court that the federal governments share from the super tax would be allocated under the NFC Award.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Senate panel likely to revisit NFC Award dispute
The issue of National Finance Commission (NFC) Award has resurfaced, with the Senate Standing Committee on Finance expected to convene a meeting next week to address provincial concerns over resource distribution, sources have revealed. According to sources, the committee has decided to summon finance ministers from all four provinces to discuss grievances related to the NFC Award. The move comes amid rising tensions between the federal and provincial governments over the allocation of funds and the delay in a new NFC formula. Sources maintained that the federal government is reluctant to provide funds for departments that have been devolved to the provinces. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, in particular, has raised concerns, stating that its population has significantly increased following the merger of the former Fata districts, yet this demographic shift has not been reflected in resource allocation. K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reportedly written a letter to the president, expressing concern over the province's exclusion from a fair share in the NFC award due to outdated population data. The K-P government adopted the stance that under the NFC, equitable distribution of resources after every five years, was a constitutional requirement. However, the current NFC formula, established in 2009, has been extended over the past 15 years without significant revisions. Under the existing NFC award, 57.5% of divisible resources are allocated to the provinces, while the federal government retains 42.5%.
