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ABBOTTABAD, Dec 01 (APP): The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a series of awareness seminars on the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, provincial financial shares and fiscal challenges at two major universities of Hazara Division University of Haripur and Hazara University Mansehra.
The seminars aimed to educate students and the public about provincial resources, NFC allocations and economic issues, enabling them to play an effective role in securing the province’s rightful financial rights.
At the University of Haripur, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Economist Dr Ehtesham, senior journalist Rifatullah Orakzai and University of Peshawar’s Assistant Professor Dr Irfan Ashraf addressed the seminar.
Dr Shafiq-ur-Rehman said that sound financial management is crucial for sustainable development, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has long been affected by the impacts of war, brain drain and population displacement, which have placed significant pressure on the province’s economy.
Dr Ehtesham highlighted the structure and functioning of the NFC Award. He said the 11th NFC Award is expected to be announced next week but noted that smaller provinces often receive less than the projected estimates. He stressed the need for provinces to enhance their own revenue generation by reducing dependence on federal transfers.
He said that strengthening the banking system and regulating agricultural products particularly tobacco could substantially increase provincial revenue.
Journalist Rifatullah Orakzai said the federal government owes more than one trillion rupees to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that although the province produces 20 billion units of electricity annually and consumes only 10 billion units, it is not receiving full advantage of cheaper power.
He also noted that oil royalties have not been paid to the province for 12 years, while delays in the Chashma Lift Canal project are causing the province’s water to flow to other regions. He stressed the need to increase Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s NFC share in light of the economic damages caused by terrorism.
Dr Irfan Ashraf emphasized the historical importance of the Silk Route for regional development and said that its full utilization could strengthen the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the country as a whole.
At Hazara University Mansehra, resource person Dr Adil Seemab, Head of the Political Science Department, said the province is under severe financial pressure due to the war on terrorism, geographical sensitivity and the integration of tribal districts.
He said that restoring merged districts, strengthening security and improving infrastructure require additional financial resources, making it essential for the province to present its case effectively in the NFC Award.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ikramullah Khan said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in mineral resources. He claimed that gas reserves in Lakki Marwat alone could meet 70 percent of the country’s needs.
Effective utilization of natural resources through proper planning could place Pakistan among developed nations. He further said the university plans to launch a Mines and Minerals program to promote research in the field, he added.