Peshawar – A provincial seminar on the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) Award took place on October 31, 2024, at the SSAQ Seminar Hall, University of Peshawar. Organized by the Development Insights Lab (DIL) and the Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), the seminar aimed to address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rights and considerations in the NFC award process. Dr. Fahim Nawaz, Deputy Coordinator of DIL, and Dr. Syed Hussain Shaheed Suherwardi moderated the session, with participants from political circles, academia, media, and student bodies. Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director of CGPA, and Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Jan, Coordinator of DIL, briefed attendees on CGPA and DIL’s initiatives.
The event featured insightful presentations, including “The Evolution of the NFC Award in Pakistan and International Best Practices of Resource Distribution” by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Associate Professor at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Dr. Muhammad Saleem, CEO of Juniper Policy Consulting, presented “The 7th NFC Award and its Implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Backdrop of the 25th Constitutional Amendment.” Both sessions highlighted the importance of addressing regional needs and were followed by an engaging Q&A session with participants.
The seminar’s Chief Guest, the Honorable Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, emphasized the critical role of collaboration between academia and civil society in advocating for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s equitable share in the NFC Award, particularly after the integration of the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) into the province. He encouraged political representatives to stand united, suggesting that a cohesive approach would strengthen KP’s position in the NFC.
Panel discussions included calls to incorporate the ex-FATA’s 6.6% share into KP’s existing 14.6% allocation and to raise the security share from 1% to 3% to address law and order challenges affecting the province. Political representatives—Mr. Ahmad Karim Kundi (PPP), Mr. Taimur Saleem Jhagra (PTI), Mr. Inayatullah Khan (JI), Ms. Naeema Kishwar (JUI), Mr. Khushdil Khan (ANP), and Mr. Sikandar Hayat Sherpao (QWP)—advocated for a fairer distribution to meet KP’s changing demands.
Governor Kundi highlighted the severe economic impact of terrorism on KP’s economy and tourism, urging an increased resource focus to bolster the province’s security and development. He underscored the importance of political unity, stating, “If Pashtun leaders can come together for PTM, they can unite for their own rights as well.”
University of Peshawar Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi commended the creation of the Development Insights Lab, expressing hope that it would aid in evidence-based policy-making and thanked political representatives for their support of this new initiative. He noted the pressing need to finalize the NFC Award to ensure national and provincial development.
The seminar concluded with a strong call for an NFC Award revision that aligns with the needs and contributions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, fostering a collaborative effort to secure KP’s rightful share in national resources.
