Amendment bill sent to committee, concern voiced over rain damages, treasury members also criticize governance during pre-budget debate
Staff Reporter
Peshawar:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session was held yesterday under the chairmanship of Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. After the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem, Law Minister Aftab Alam introduced the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the House. In accordance with assembly rules, the Speaker referred the bill to the relevant standing committee and sought a report within fifteen days.
During the session, strong protests erupted over a notification issued by the Chief Secretary granting provincial minister status to Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam. The opposition declared the notification unconstitutional, arguing that taking the oath of office is mandatory for any provincial minister and that all actions taken without the oath are against the Constitution.
PPP Parliamentary Leader Ahmad Karim Kundi, speaking on a point of order, said the March 7, 2026 notification was a clear violation of the Constitution. He stated that under Article 132, a minister can only be appointed on the recommendation of the Chief Minister followed by an oath administered by the Governor, and questioned the authority of the Chief Secretary in issuing such an order. He demanded that the Chief Secretary be summoned before the House for an explanation.
Responding to the criticism, Law Minister Aftab Alam said Muzammil Aslam remains an adviser and that, following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, up to seven advisers can be appointed. He added that a non-elected individual may be appointed as a minister for six months and that constitutional interpretation would be obtained from the Advocate General. The Speaker directed the law minister to obtain clarification from the Chief Secretary and present it to the House the following day.
Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah said the government itself appeared confused about whether Aslam was a minister or an adviser, making the pre-budget debate meaningless. The Speaker ruled that whether Aslam was a minister or an adviser, he could represent the government in the Assembly.
Members also expressed concern over loss of life and property caused by recent rains across the province. Lawmakers Iftikhar Khan and Muhammad Idris said link roads were damaged, communication systems disrupted, and citizens were facing health problems. The Speaker asked the government to clearly outline its relief policy. Muzammil Aslam said damage assessment surveys were underway and relief would be provided on the pattern of flood assistance once PDMA submitted its report.
Opening the pre-budget debate for fiscal year 2026-27, Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam said the previous budget estimated revenues at Rs2,119 billion and expenditures at Rs1,962 billion, showing a surplus of Rs157 billion. He said the province prepares its budget based on its own resources without consultation with the federal government or the IMF.
He added that 93 percent of provincial revenue comes from federal transfers, and due to shortfalls in federal tax collection, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received nearly Rs40 billion less, while the province faced a shortfall of Rs75 billion during the first nine months. He said billions of rupees were spent on merged districts, security operations, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the Ramadan package, adding that the government aimed to present a tax-free budget next fiscal year.
During the pre-budget session, both treasury and opposition members criticized governance performance. Treasury member Abdul Karim Khan complained about the removal of development schemes, lack of infrastructure development, energy shortages, and industrial decline. ANP member Nisar Baz criticized the non-release of federal funds for the merged districts and alleged irregularities in the Ramadan relief package.
MPA Fazal Hakim emphasized the need for serious planning in health, employment, and agriculture sectors, while Ihsanullah said lawmakers were not consulted before budget preparation. Other members also spoke about reforms and development needs in education, health, policing, and infrastructure sectors.
The Assembly decided to continue the pre-budget debate in the next session.
