Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly witnessed an intense debate on the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with lawmakers focusing on law and order, education, healthcare, slow-paced development projects, and challenges facing the merged districts. Members from both the treasury and opposition benches criticized and defended the budget, while Speaker Babar Saleem Swati issued a stern warning to bureaucrats over their absence from assembly proceedings.
During Tuesday’s session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, lawmakers continued the general discussion on the budget. Government member Niaz Muhammad Khan from North Waziristan described the deteriorating security situation as a bigger concern than the budget itself. He said tensions persist in several areas, curfews remain in place in some locations, and ongoing military operations have severely affected business activities. He called for a special relief package for affected residents similar to the one previously announced for Bara.
Treasury member Ikramullah Qazi termed the Rs200 billion Khushhal Hazara Package a historic initiative, saying it would open a new chapter of development in the region. However, he also demanded additional funding for various development projects. He noted that allocating 56 percent of the budget to health, education, and law and order reflected the government’s priorities.
Lawmaker Ubaidur Rehman expressed reservations over the inclusion of 1,200 new development schemes, arguing that many ongoing projects were still awaiting funding. He alleged that several projects had once again been included under the heading of feasibility studies, as had happened in the previous budget.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F legislator Adnan Khan strongly criticized the budget, saying that labeling it “Prosperous Pakhtunkhwa” was inconsistent with ground realities in a province grappling with insecurity and economic hardship. He argued that salary increases for government employees resulted from federal decisions rather than provincial initiatives and termed the special relief granted only to secretariat employees unfair.
Pakistan Muslim League-N member Sobia Shahid described the budget as a “document based on false claims,” stating that 5.5 million children in the province remain out of school despite government assertions of progress in education. She also questioned the performance of MTI hospitals and the Sehat Card program and criticized the allocation of Rs52 billion for local governments despite the absence of functioning local bodies.
Rajab Ali Abbasi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the burden of war, terrorism, and multiple crises for decades, yet has managed to increase its own revenue. He also criticized the federal government for not providing provinces with their full financial share.
Government member Qasim Ali Shah acknowledged that 36 percent of children in the province remain out of school but argued that the situation is comparatively better than in other parts of the country. He praised the Sehat Card initiative while expressing concerns over inadequate funding for development projects.
Responding to the debate, Education Minister Arshad Ayub said the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award is a constitutional right of the provinces, not a favor from the federation. He maintained that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not receiving its due share and that the merged districts have yet to receive the promised three percent NFC allocation. He announced that the provincial government aims to enroll all 2.6 million out-of-school children by 2030.
According to the minister, nearly 30,000 teachers have been recruited, with 16,000 already assuming their duties. Plans are also underway to construct 10,000 new classrooms, expand scholarships for girls, launch vocational training programs, and improve educational facilities. He added that 150 government schools have been outsourced, resulting in improved attendance and increased enrollment.
Meanwhile, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati expressed strong displeasure over the absence of bureaucrats from assembly proceedings. He warned that if a departmental secretary fails to attend the session, approval of that department’s budget could be withheld. He directed that a formal letter be sent to the Chief Secretary to ensure the attendance of all administrative secretaries.
The budget debate once again highlighted the serious challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the areas of security, education, healthcare, and development. While the government defended its reform agenda and development plans, the opposition argued that official claims do not reflect realities on the ground. Attention is now focused on whether the promises and commitments made during the debate will translate into tangible results for the people of the province.
