As the federal and provincial governments approach the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is not seeking favour; it is demanding fairness. The province has absorbed the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), carried the burden of protracted conflict and inherited widespread underdevelopment. That its share in the divisible pool remains tethered to a 2009 formula is not just inequitable; it betrays the constitutional spirit of equitable federalism.

The districts merged from FATA into K-P are among Pakistan's most underdeveloped areas. Multi-dimensional poverty in these newly merged districts highlights severe deficits across income, living conditions, utilities, education and women's empowerment. Female literacy in many merged districts ranges between 12-17 per cent, far below the provincial average of roughly 37 per cent. Health infrastructure remains critically low: hospital beds and doctor-to-patient ratios are far below K-P norms, with many facilities lacking electricity, water, essential medicines and qualified staff. Economic deprivation is stark.

Prolonged conflict, trade embargoes with Afghanistan and insecurity have shuttered hundreds of businesses, including 229 industrial units reported closed in recent years. Per capita income in these districts lags significantly behind settled districts, with households........

© The Express Tribune