‘discriminatory treatment’ of Centre
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday announced a province-wide pen-down strike on May 6 (today), alleging sustained discriminatory treatment by the federal government and neglect of the province’s constitutional rights. In a statement, the chief minister said the provincial government, representing the mandate of former prime minister Imran Khan, was being deliberately sidelined, resulting in systemic deprivation of KP’s due rights and resources. He pointed out what he termed as long standing disparities in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and in the distribution of electricity and gas, saying these imbalances are putting pressure on the province and affecting public welfare. He added that such practices are inconsistent with constitutional principles and risk weakening intergovernmental trust within the federation. Announcing the strike, the chief minister clarified that emergency services will remain exempt to ensure continuity of essential public services. He also expressed concern over the conditions of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, stating that they are not being provided access to medical care under their personal physicians, which he described as a violation of basic human rights. He further said that restricting access to family members and legal counsel is “inhumane” and contrary to legal norms. The chief minister called upon members of the legal fraternity, particularly those committed to constitutionalism and the rule of law, to participate in the strike and raise their voice for provincial rights and against what he described as a system of “injustice and discrimination.” DLP Report
