By: Ghulam Hussain Ghazi
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is set to present its budget in the Provincial Assembly today. This budget is significant and unique in many ways, as it refrains from introducing any new taxes, while also clearly focusing on efforts to free the province from heavy domestic and foreign debts. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the government has prioritized financial self-reliance, ensuring that the province no longer depends on federal or international financial institutions.
In the current budget, a target has been set to repay 150 billion rupees of debt, which not only reflects fiscal discipline but also sends the message that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is no longer looking to borrow but to repay. This process of debt repayment is not just a matter of political rhetoric but is being practically implemented, which will benefit future generations. The reduction in interest payments will result in more resources being available for education, health, employment, and basic services.
Another commendable policy of the KP government is keeping the budget tax-free. In a time when inflation is at its peak and the standard of living for the public is declining, imposing new taxes would be tantamount to burdening the people further. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is not only avoiding new taxes but is also ensuring that the tax burden does not fall heavily on the lower-income groups. This policy will directly benefit laborers, farmers, small entrepreneurs, trades, street vendors, shopkeepers and ordinary citizens who are already struggling with inflation.
The government is also taking serious steps to continue and expand developmental projects. Mega projects such as the Dir to Chitral Motorway and Dera Motorway are not only expected to ease travels but will also boost economic activities, promote tourism and give a new life to local industries. The prioritization of these projects in the development budget reflects the government’s awareness of future needs and opportunities.
To empower and make the youth self-reliant, the government is expanding interest-free loan schemes. This is a step that will lead unemployed youth to employment, foster self-reliance, and integrate a demographic group into the national development process that often feels marginalized. These loans are not just financial assistance but seeds of a new mindset that opens doors to self-employment.
One clear priority of the provincial government is that the process of development should not be limited to a few urban centers but should reach rural areas and underdeveloped regions. Reforms and planning in sectors like education, health, agriculture, tourism, minerals, water supply and IT will not only expand the province’s economy but also create new employment opportunities. The government’s focus this time is to ensure that every class, sector, and district is part of the development journey.
Through this budget, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is moving towards an economic model that is not only based on self-reliance but also has a people-friendly, debt-free and development-oriented approach. If these measures are consistently followed, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can become a province with a stable economy, prosperous citizens and all-around development in the coming years as per vision of KP Govt party leader Imran Khan.
