Peshawar: The All Parties Conference (APC), convened to address the deteriorating security and socio-economic conditions in the province, issued a comprehensive declaration outlining key concerns and demands.
1. Grave Concern Over Security Situation
The province’s political leadership expressed deep concern over the alarming deterioration in law and order.
“This year has witnessed more bloodshed than the last, with over 70 security personnel martyred in the past month alone, while sectarian violence in Kurram claimed more than 200 lives,” the statement read. The APC criticized both federal and provincial governments for failing to restore peace.
2. Formation of Political and Technical Committees
To safeguard the province’s political and financial interests, the APC decided to establish a Political Committee and a Technical Committee comprising representatives from all political parties.
3. Demand for Immediate NFC Award
The conference highlighted that the 7th NFC Award has been ineffective for the past two and a half years.
It demanded the immediate issuance of the 11th NFC Award and the release of the 3% allocation for former FATA, which has been withheld for five years. The funds must be released as per the Sartaj Aziz Committee’s recommendations, and future allocations should account for population data and include environmental factors.
4. Transparency in Mines and Minerals Leases
The APC reaffirmed that the province’s natural resources, including mines and minerals, are the collective property of its people and future generations. It called for public disclosure of all lease agreements across the province.
5. Reopening of Pak-Afghan Trade Routes
The forum unanimously demanded the immediate reopening of all historic trade routes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to facilitate cross-border commerce.
6. Priority Gas Supply and Payment of Dues
The federal government was urged to ensure preferential gas supply to the province under Article 158 of the Constitution and to release Net Hydel Profit (NHP) and federal excise duty on oil under Article 161.
7. Regular Meetings of the Council of Common Interests (CCI)
The APC called for the timely convening of CCI meetings in accordance with constitutional requirements to address inter-provincial concerns.
8. Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) Award
The provincial government was urged to establish the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) and issue regular awards to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
9. Strengthening Local Government System
The APC stressed the need for an effective local government system and called for equitable allocation of funds to local representatives without any discrimination.
10. Withdrawal of IDC on Afghan Trade
The APC demanded the withdrawal of the 2% Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC), which is negatively impacting Afghan trade and the province’s economy.
11. Fair Allocation of Water Resources
The APC called on the federal government to provide the necessary infrastructure to the province for utilizing its fair share of water under the 1991 Water Accord, similar to the facilities provided to other provinces.
12. Rehabilitation of IDPs
The APC emphasized the dignified and prompt return of all internally displaced persons (IDPs) from tribal districts to their native areas as per the government’s commitments.
13. End to Harassment of Peaceful Pashtuns
The APC condemned the harassment of peaceful Pashtuns from Khyber Province in other provinces and the federal capital, Islamabad, and demanded an end to such discriminatory practices.
14. Performance Audit of Provincial Government
Lastly, the APC called for a comprehensive performance audit of the provincial government to assess its governance and service delivery.
The declaration underscored the unity of all political parties in addressing the pressing challenges facing the province and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of its people.
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