Peshawar: (RightNow) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, announces plans to approach the court if federal relief for provincial rights is not provided. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural resources play a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs.

He stated during a meeting of the Department of Energy and Power that the province supplies over 70% of hydel electricity to the national grid. Despite this, the federal government owes Rs 2300 billion in NHP payments.

The meeting revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s financial condition is affected by delays and imbalances in NHP payments. The province is strengthening its transmission and grid system.

The Chief Minister emphasized that under Article 158 of the Constitution, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has priority in the use of natural resources. The issue of gas sales to the federation will be raised under the Petroleum Policy 2012.

It is noteworthy that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PEDO projects comprise 7890 megawatts, while the province supplies 48% of the country’s crude oil production.