The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a province-wide pen-down strike for Wednesday in protest against what it describes as unfair treatment by the federal government.
According to provincial authorities, the strike is being organised to highlight concerns over alleged discriminatory policies affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in key financial and administrative matters.
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Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the federal government has adopted a biased approach toward the province, particularly regarding the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, electricity dues, and gas-related issues.
He claimed the province was being deliberately sidelined and economically pressured, accusing the Centre of discriminatory treatment.
وزیراعلیٰ محمد سہیل آفریدی نے خیبر پختونخوا کے ساتھ مبینہ وفاقی امتیازی سلوک کے خلاف کل 6 مئی کو صوبہ بھر میں قلم چھوڑ ہڑتال کا اعلان کر دیا ہے۔ تاہم انہوں نے واضح کیا کہ ایمرجنسی سروسز اس احتجاج سے مستثنیٰ ہوں گی۔ وزیراعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا نے کہا ہے کہ خیبر پختونخوا میں پاکستان کے… pic.twitter.com/OyYXX9zCSG
— The Frontier Voice (@thefrontiervoic) May 5, 2026
“The federal government is treating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unfairly in several important matters,” Afridi said while announcing the protest.
Under the plan, government employees across the province are expected to observe a pen-down strike on May 6 by halting official work as a symbolic form of protest. However, emergency and essential services will remain operational and are exempt from the strike.
The chief minister also linked the issue to broader political tensions, alleging that the province is being targeted because it is governed by the party founded by former prime minister Imran Khan.
In his remarks, Afridi criticised restrictions placed on Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, saying denial of access to personal doctors, lawyers, and family members raises legal and humanitarian concerns.
He described such actions as violations of basic rights and called for adherence to constitutional and legal norms.
The chief minister appealed to lawyers and other stakeholders committed to constitutional principles to support the strike and participate in the protest.
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The announcement is expected to intensify tensions between the provincial and federal governments, which have frequently clashed over governance, financial allocations, and political issues.
No immediate response was issued by federal authorities regarding the allegations or the planned strike. The protest is likely to impact routine government operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, although officials say efforts are being made to ensure critical public services remain unaffected.