Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s top political leadership has jointly criticised the federal government over the suspension of gas supply to the province’s CNG sector, urging immediate intervention from the prime minister to resolve the issue.
In an unusual show of unity, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi appeared together in Peshawar, where they held a joint press conference highlighting what they described as “unfair and unconstitutional” treatment of the province.
Concerns Over Gas Supply and Article 158
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that the ongoing suspension of gas supply has led to the closure of CNG stations across the province, creating difficulties for both the transport sector and the general public.
He referred to Article 158 of the Constitution, arguing that a gas-producing province has the first right over its natural resources. According to him, decisions affecting KP’s resources were being made without consultation and imposed unilaterally.
Afridi also alleged that funds allocated for the merged tribal districts had been reduced, calling it an unfair deduction of around Rs12 billion. He described the gas suspension as “illegal” and urged authorities to avoid taking unconstitutional steps against the province.
Warning of Economic and Security Impact
The chief minister warned that continued disruption in gas supply could create broader economic pressure, especially since the transport sector in KP relies heavily on CNG. He said forced use of expensive fuel alternatives would increase financial burden on citizens.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Afridi stated that KP produces approximately 494 mmcfd of gas, while its own consumption is around 120 mmcfd. He added that the province’s CNG sector requires about 36 to 40 mmcfd, which he claimed has been diverted to the fertiliser sector.
He further cautioned that prolonged suspension of CNG supply could lead to “law and order issues” in the province.
Governor Kundi’s Remarks
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi echoed similar concerns, questioning whether KP’s contribution to national energy production was being properly recognised. He said the province supplies gas, electricity, and other resources at relatively low cost, yet continues to face shortages.
He also highlighted broader grievances, including water distribution and wheat procurement, arguing that unresolved issues were creating a sense of injustice among the public.
Kundi noted that KP is already facing security challenges and has suffered significant losses in ongoing counterterrorism efforts. He stressed that denying what he called legitimate provincial rights would only deepen public frustration.
Call for Federal Intervention
Both leaders urged the federal government to resolve the matter urgently and called for a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to specifically address the CNG gas allocation issue.
Governor Kundi also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address KP’s concerns with the same urgency shown in other national matters, warning that continued delays could worsen tensions between the province and the federation.
