Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passes Rs2.17 trillion budget for FY2026-27

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed the provincial budget for FY2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs2.17 trillion.

Finance and Law Minister Aftab Alam moved the motion for approval of the budget and all 66 demands for grants for provincial departments.

During the debate, members from both the opposition and treasury benches criticised the performance of provincial departments, particularly the Planning and Development Department.

The cut motions were later withdrawn at the government’s request, after which Speaker Babar Saleem Swati used his guillotine powers to approve the demands for grants.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah objected to the procedure, saying the opposition had not been consulted and that the budget was passed without allowing detailed discussion on cut motions.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said the special powers were used after consultation and that members could continue debate during the supplementary budget discussion.

Dr. Ibadullah also said the opposition had not been given a share in development resources despite supporting the government on matters concerning the province.

In his winding-up speech, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi said the province’s own revenue had increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to Rs93 billion in the government’s first year and Rs129 billion this year.

He said the government had set a provincial own-revenue target of Rs182 billion for FY2026-27 and called for the release of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s outstanding share under the National Finance Commission.

The chief minister also announced special development packages for Peshawar, Hazara, Mardan, tribal districts and southern districts.