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KPK
Rs121 Billion Supplementary Budget Approved Amid Uproar in KP Assembly
Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly approved a supplementary budget exceeding Rs121.47 billion during the closing days of the fiscal year, but the proceedings were marked by strong criticism, protests, and political tension from both opposition and treasury benches. The opposition walked out of the House after being denied permission to move cut motions, while members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also questioned the transparency of the budget and raised concerns over financial management.
The Assembly approved Rs50.49 billion for current expenditures and Rs71.73 billion for development programs. Additional allocations were made for various departments, including Rs7.53 billion for police, Rs4.43 billion for social welfare, Rs7.50 billion for local councils, Rs7.35 billion for relief activities, Rs1.29 billion for local government, and Rs3 billion for the merged districts.
The opposition protested when it was not allowed to present cut motions. Opposition lawmaker Sobia Shahid chanted slogans in front of the Speaker’s dais, while several members stood at their seats in protest. The opposition later staged a walkout, objecting to the manner in which the budget was being approved.
Speaking on the supplementary budget, treasury member Ubaidur Rehman criticized the federal government’s move to impose taxes in the former FATA and PATA regions. He argued that the federation should first provide basic facilities and development projects before enforcing taxes. Referring to the Dir Motorway project, he said the scheme is included in the budget every year merely as a “lollipop” for the public. He noted that despite the project’s estimated cost of Rs63 billion, only Rs90 million had been allocated this year, making timely completion highly unlikely.
Ubaidur Rehman also alleged irregularities in the recruitment of doctors and nurses and questioned who had authorized deputy commissioners to oversee such appointments. He demanded the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the matter. He further stated that roads across Malakand Division had remained in a dilapidated condition for nearly two decades and insisted that the federal government should fulfill its development responsibilities before introducing taxes. He also urged the provincial government to focus on hydropower projects, which could generate billions of rupees in annual revenue.
Meanwhile, PTI lawmaker Sajjad Barkwal launched a scathing critique of his own government’s supplementary budget, calling it a “raid on the provincial treasury.” He vowed to resist the budget at every forum until a comprehensive audit was conducted. According to him, the figures presented in the budget appeared to be based on rough estimates rather than proper financial planning.
Barkwal requested the Deputy Speaker to immediately constitute a special committee to audit the supplementary budget. He questioned why Rs1 billion had been allocated for road repairs while an additional Rs13 billion had been earmarked separately for similar purposes. He also objected to the transfer of development works and park renovation projects to the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), alleging that public funds were being spent in the name of PTI founder Imran Khan. He insisted that a transparent audit was essential.
Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi assured the House that because the fiscal year ends on June 30, the supplementary budget had to be approved before the deadline. However, she said an audit and review process could be undertaken afterward if lawmakers remained dissatisfied. She further assured Barkwal that a committee could be formed to examine the concerns raised by members.
During the session, Local Government Minister Mena Khan Afridi also addressed issues related to alleged fake degrees and administrative matters in public universities. He said the provincial government had directed vice chancellors to take action and had established a committee to investigate irregularities in 24 universities. He clarified that the issue of fake degrees was separate from matters concerning the forced leave of certain vice chancellors.
Despite protests by the opposition, criticism from ruling party lawmakers, and demands for an audit, the Assembly ultimately approved the supplementary budget worth more than Rs121 billion. However, the controversy surrounding its transparency and financial management has sparked a fresh political debate that is expected to continue in the coming weeks. The Assembly session was later adjourned until July 6.
National
Senior PPP Leadership Holds AJK Consultative Meeting
PROVINCE REPORT
A high-level consultative meeting was held at the residence of former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, to review the prevailing political situation in AJK and discuss preparations for the upcoming elections.
The meeting was attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, former President of Azad Kashmir Sardar Yaqoob Khan, and several prominent political leaders, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) central leader Chaudhry Riaz.
Participants held detailed discussions on the current political landscape in Azad Kashmir, the future political role of the PPP, and the party’s strategy for the forthcoming elections. The meeting also reviewed possible political cooperation with other parties and assessed the PPP’s organizational preparations across the region.
The consultative session further examined the proposed mechanism for the distribution of party tickets, coordination with local political organizations, and measures to strengthen the PPP as an effective political force in Azad Kashmir.
The participants agreed to enhance mutual consultation, political coordination, and public outreach to ensure the party is well-prepared for the upcoming AJK elections.
