Pakistan PM orders review of federal projects in opposition-run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a review of federally funded development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a province governed by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in a move that comes amid persistent political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration.

Sharif announced the decision during a meeting in Islamabad with lawmakers and political figures from KP. The committee, headed by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, will visit the provincial capital Peshawar to assess the pace and implementation of federal development schemes, the state-run radio service reported.

The step comes as relations remain strained between Islamabad and PTI, whose founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has been jailed for months and whose party has repeatedly accused the federal government of targeting opposition-led provinces.

KP’s chief minister is currently touring Sindh to rally party supporters ahead of planned street protests on Feb. 8 - the anniversary of Pakistan’s 2024 general election, which PTI says was marred by rigging.

Sharif said the federal government was “fully aware” of the challenges facing KP residents and was committed to addressing issues that fall under federal jurisdiction, including the timely completion of development projects.

“Resolving public grievances and ensuring progress on ongoing federal schemes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are among our top priorities,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.

Government officials said the meeting also reviewed the province’s broader political and governance situation, with participants raising concerns over health, education, infrastructure and public welfare.

Several lawmakers told the prime minister that the PTI-led provincial government had failed to deliver effective governance and lacked a clear policy direction on key public services, according to an official statement.

Sharif also highlighted his recent visit to Haripur, where laptops were distributed to students under a federal program, saying such initiatives would continue on merit to help young people acquire modern skills.