He said Rs75 billion had been allocated for a fuel subsidy scheme, benefiting around 13 million people.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) 13-year rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), alleging that the province had suffered years of developmental neglect, and urged Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders to prioritise short-term public welfare projects.

Addressing a meeting of the PML-N parliamentary party at Parliament House, the prime minister highlighted the sacrifices made by residents, police, armed forces and political leadership in the fight against terrorism in K-P.

“Pakistan suffered enormous human and economic losses in the war against terrorism,” he said, recalling that the nation and state institutions had joined hands during former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure to combat militancy.

The Ministry of Interior recently informed the National Assembly that security forces had neutralised 2,410 terrorists during 5,143 intelligence-based operations in the first nine months of 2026.

PM Recalls APS Tragedy, Criticises PTI’s Governance

Recalling the Army Public School (APS) attack in Peshawar, Shehbaz said the tragedy remained fresh in the nation’s memory and described the martyrdom of innocent children as one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history.

He said the sacrifices of K-P residents, who had remained on the frontline of the fight against militancy, must never be forgotten.

Criticising PTI’s governance in the province, the prime minister alleged that political slogans and divisive politics had taken precedence over public service, while issues in Peshawar, Kohistan, Hazara and southern districts remained unresolved.

He also blamed the resurgence of terrorism on the alleged return and resettlement of terrorists from Afghanistan in 2019 and 2020.

Referring to political developments during the past decade, Shehbaz said the 2014 sit-in had resulted in the postponement of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan. He added that Xi eventually visited the country in 2015 and signed several important agreements.

Shehbaz Questions Use of NFC Resources

Discussing the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the prime minister said K-P had been allocated an additional one per cent of resources under the arrangement.

He said the province had received Rs800 billion under the award but questioned why, according to him, the funds had not been used to strengthen its counterterrorism capabilities.

The prime minister also questioned how many Safe City projects had been established in the province and why around 5,000 vacant police positions remained unfilled.

He said available resources should have been used to equip police with modern weapons and provide professional training.

Shehbaz maintained that the federal government had repeatedly called for joint efforts to combat terrorism but had not received the desired response from the PTI-led provincial government.

PM Defends Decision on Governor’s Rule

The prime minister also defended the decision to impose governor’s rule and an emergency in K-P, saying it had been taken under unavoidable circumstances.

He said efforts had been made to resolve the issue through negotiations, with committees representing the Pakistan Peoples Party and PML-N holding discussions for 48 hours.

However, he added, the agreed draft could not secure approval.

Shehbaz said the decision had become necessary to protect the people, the country, the economy and society, warning that further delay could have caused additional damage to the province.

Federal Government Allocates Rs75 Billion for Fuel Subsidy

Addressing economic concerns, the prime minister said the federal government had introduced relief measures for citizens facing rising energy prices amid international developments and the Gulf conflict.

He said Rs75 billion had been allocated for a fuel subsidy scheme, benefiting around 13 million people.

Shehbaz reiterated that economic stability remained a priority, adding that the political and military leadership had worked together to steer the country out of economic difficulties.

He pledged that the PML-N would continue working for the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of K-P.