PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget for the upcoming fiscal year demonstrates financial prudence and a clear focus on security, education, and development, said Adviser on Finance Syed Muzzammil Aslam during the budget session on Monday.
He told the provincial assembly that the opposition’s earlier claim of the province heading toward default has collapsed in the face of stable economic indicators. “Those calling the province a defaulter have changed their narrative now,” Aslam stated, adding that no economy can progress without peace.
Prioritises security, development, cost-cutting
The adviser said the government has allocated 172 billion rupees for security and law enforcement, bringing police allowances in line with Punjab and enhancing equipment to reduce casualties among officers. He noted that the provincial government saved over 100 billion rupees last year and expects a bigger surplus this year. “We gave the surplus to the federal government two weeks before their budget,” he said.
Aslam confirmed that the provincial government has reduced its expenditures, banned the purchase of new vehicles, and suspended all advertisement campaigns. “You won’t see a single Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government advertisement in the media,” he said.
The government has also raised royalties on mining and minerals, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (KPOGDCL) is actively contributing to the province’s economic growth. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, national companies have agreed to explore gas and oil without charging the provincial government.
Aslam highlighted that over 150 billion rupees have already been spent from the 120 billion rupees allocated for development programmes. “Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur personally led 250 hours of meetings to finalise the development agenda,” he said.
Adviser rebuffs opposition’s claims
He criticised the federal government for delaying transfers, stating that Islamabad last disbursed funds in July. “We still knock on the federal government’s doors for money,” he added.
Responding to opposition, Aslam said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget represents provincial priorities and not a political party’s agenda. Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) parliamentary leader Maulana Lutfur Rehman questioned the legitimacy of the budget, claiming the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder was not consulted. “What if he rejects this budget tomorrow?” he asked.
The adviser rejected the notion, saying the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget serves the people, not individuals, and reflects a commitment to fiscal discipline and governance reform.
