KP Assembly passes multiple landmark resolutions, including recognition of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as national martyr

KP Assembly Unites in Demand for ‘Hazara Province’

What Happened

In a rare and striking display of unity, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution demanding the creation of a separate Hazara province, marking one of the strongest political endorsements of the long-standing demand.

Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches backed the move, an uncommon moment of harmony in a usually politically fractured house.

Why It Matters

The call for a Hazara province has existed for over a decade, fuelled by demands for administrative autonomy, political representation, and regional development. The unanimous vote reflects how deeply rooted the sentiment is across party lines.

Lawmakers said the move is not just political, it is about fair distribution of resources, identity representation, and responsive governance.

Where the Assembly Showed Further Unity

Alongside the Hazara resolution, the assembly also reached agreement on a key financial issue: KP’s share in the upcoming National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

Lawmakers demanded:

• Increase from 14.6% to 19.4%
• Greater support for:
  • Development projects
  • Law and order
  • Merged districts integration
  • Financial sustainability of the province

Members argued that without adequate funding from the federal government, KP cannot maintain infrastructure, improve public services, or ensure permanent peace.

What Other Resolutions Were Passed

The assembly passed several important resolutions, including:

1️⃣ Recognising Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as a “national martyr”

This symbolic declaration won approval from both sides of the house.

2️⃣ Preventing misuse of the MPO law

Lawmakers warned that applying the Maintenance of Public Order law against political workers undermines democratic freedoms.

3️⃣ Restoration of tobacco quota for farmers

Tobacco growers, many of whom depend heavily on the crop, have been demanding quota restoration for years. Lawmakers said the move would protect farming families and local economies.

How Lawmakers Framed the Issue

During the session, speakers emphasised:

• KP has been under-funded despite bearing huge national responsibilities, including terrorism impacts and merged district development.
• A fair financial share is essential for:
  • Equitable development
  • Better provincial service delivery
  • Strengthening merged districts
  • Enhancing local infrastructure

Members urged the federal government to ensure KP receives funds “in line with ground realities and provincial needs.”

What’s Next

The resolutions will now be forwarded to the federal government. KP lawmakers say they expect serious consideration, warning that ignoring provincial financial and administrative concerns will worsen the sense of deprivation across the region.