ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The approval of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 remains uncertain as internal conflicts within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) threaten to stall the process.
Rift in PTI Casts Doubt on Budget Passage
A faction within PTI, alongside several lawmakers, has reportedly prepared to boycott the budget session, raising questions over its approval in the provincial assembly. Former provincial minister Shakeel Khan told Dunya News,
“If the budget is tabled without consultation with the PTI founder, Imran Khan, it would be rejected by him and others.”
He further expressed concern that the budget may have been drafted under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and without the involvement of senior party leaders.
Senior Leadership Allegedly Sidestepped
Insiders reveal that Imran Khan had instructed consultations with senior figures such as Adviser on Finance and former finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Atif Khan, and Junaid Akbar during the budget’s preparation. However, these leaders were reportedly excluded, prompting strong reactions from several assembly members.
Due to these internal disputes, discontented PTI members have signaled their intent to obstruct the budget’s passage, with many uncertain about tabling the budget without the party founder’s approval.
Budget Highlights and Official Statements
Dunya News obtained the KP government’s budget documents ahead of today’s presentation. The development budget is set to rise by Rs114 billion, increasing from Rs414 billion in 2024–25 to Rs528 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. Key allocations include:
Rs195 billion for the Provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP)
Rs45 billion for local governments
Rs33 billion for the merged districts’ ADP Rs50 billion for the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP)
Rs175 billion for foreign project assistance
Rs29 billion under the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized that the provincial budget will be tax-free, with no new taxes imposed on the public. In a statement, he affirmed,
“Budget planning was done in consultation with former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.”
Gandapur added that KP has not taken any new loans and has allocated Rs150 billion for debt repayment. He also highlighted ongoing work on major projects, including the Dera Motorway, and announced plans to expand interest-free loan schemes to support youth empowerment.
Further, the chief minister declared an “educational emergency” focused on improving education quality across the province.
