KP Assembly Approves Rs2.17 Trillion Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved the Rs2.17 trillion “Prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” budget for the fiscal year 2026-27.
The motion for the approval of the budget was presented by Provincial Minister for Finance and Law Aftab Alam. The assembly also approved 66 demands for grants related to expenditures of various government departments.
During the debate on the demands for grants, opposition lawmakers withdrew their cut motions at the request of the government. Following this, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati exercised special powers to approve the demands for grants of all departments individually.
Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah objected to the proceedings, stating that the opposition had not been consulted and that the budget had been “bulldozed” through the assembly by using special powers.
He said the budget is an important document that deserves detailed discussion by all members of the house. According to him, overlooking cut motions amounted to depriving elected representatives of their parliamentary rights.
Dr. Ibadullah further argued that protecting the rights of the assembly was the responsibility of the Speaker and that the procedure adopted was not appropriate.
In response, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said the special powers were exercised after mutual consultation. He added that any member wishing to continue the debate would be given a full opportunity to express their views during discussions on the supplementary budget.
