Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly: A Unified Call for Change
In a rare and encouraging display of unity, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the bifurcation of the province and the establishment of a new Hazara province. This pivotal decision reflects the long-standing aspirations of the people of Hazara and aims to ensure they receive their rightful share at the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting.
Under the leadership of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, the assembly is taking thoughtful steps towards fulfilling this demand, prompting provincial government member Nazir Abbasi to introduce a joint resolution under Article 239 of the Constitution. The resolution emphasizes the need for swift constitutional processes and administrative tasks to bring this vision to fruition. This is more than a bureaucratic necessity; it’s about prioritizing the hopes and dreams of the Hazara community.
In addition to the Hazara province resolution, the assembly made headlines by recognizing former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a "national martyr." This acknowledgment not only honors Bhutto’s contributions to the nation but also reinforces a sense of collective history and identity among the people.
Another crucial point discussed was the misuse of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) against political workers, a topic that resonates with many citizens. Speaker Swati and Provincial Minister Meena Khan Afridi emphasized that such laws shouldn’t be instruments of political victimization. They advocated for legislative amendments to safeguard political dissenters across party lines, reinforcing the ideals of democracy and justice.
The assembly also paid heed to the concerns of farmers, particularly regarding the tobacco quota, which saw a significant reduction from last year. A resolution was unanimously passed to restore the previous allocation, signaling the assembly’s commitment to economic welfare and agricultural sustainability.
A critical focus of this session was the NFC allocations, which are vital for the province’s financial well-being. K-P lawmakers rallied to demand an increase in the province’s share from 14.6% to 19.4%. This is not merely a number; it represents the resources necessary for the welfare of the people and the development of essential services, including counter-terrorism funding. The unified front of government and opposition members suggests that the future of K-P will be shaped by collaborative efforts rather than partisan divides.
In the upcoming NFC meeting on December 4, both the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and opposition parties are poised to present a strong and united case on behalf of K-P, aiming to secure a fairer deal for a province that has much to offer but has often been overlooked.
This moment in K-P’s legislative history serves as a reminder that when people come together for a common cause, real change can happen. The assembly’s efforts reflect an understanding that the dialogue should extend beyond political rhetoric—it’s about creating a future that benefits everyone.
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