PM Shehbaz, Kundi stress enhanced efforts for 'harmony' between Centre, KP

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stressed the need for enhanced efforts for 'harmony' between the Centre and the province and to resolve people's issues on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The assertion was made in a meeting in Islamabad, the statement said, adding that the 'overall political situation' in KP, law and order and matters of mutual interest were also discussed in the huddle that also included Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam and Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah. 'PM Shehbaz reiterated that the federal government will continue to work for KP's progress and welfare of the people of the province,' the statement read. The PTI, which is in power in KP, has been at loggerheads with the federal government over several issues, including provision of funds and military operations in the province. The ruling party in the province has also been seeking the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been in jail since 2023. It has staged multiple protests to this end and has been accusing the Centre, as well as Punjab and Sindh governments of suppression during mobilisation drives. On Monday, a run-in with law enforcement ma­r­red KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi's visit to Lahore as he claimed he was 'abdu­cted' by authorities and later 'abandoned' by the roadside. The provincial government, however, den­ied any such move. Afridi was visiting Lahore to rally supporters ahead of PTI's planned protest march on Islamabad on Sept 27.