Treasury, Opp unite against bureaucracy

K-P Assembly demands inclusive budget, project accountability

PESHAWAR:

In a rare show of cross-party unity during the pre-budget debate in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, both government and opposition members sharply criticised the provincial government for sidelining elected representatives in the budget-making process, accusing bureaucracy of dominating fiscal planning while ignoring input from assembly members.

MPAs from various parties complained that the bureaucracy prepares the budget, which is then presented in the House merely for rubber-stamp approval, with little regard for suggestions from elected public representatives. "We do not know whether the government or the institutions are running the province," several lawmakers remarked, highlighting a growing sense of marginalisation among assembly members.

Prominent speakers, including Obaidur Rehman, Shazia Tahmas, Munir Hussain Laghmani, Ali Shah Khan, Ashbar Jadon, Shafiullah, Mehr Sultana, Arbab Waseem, Abdul Salam Afridi, Rehana Ismail, Ajab Gul, Khalid Khan, Khadija Bibi, Asif Masood, and Farah Khan, took the floor to voice concerns on multiple fronts.

They pointed out chronic delays in key infrastructure projects, notably the Dir Motorway, which has missed deadlines despite funds allocated in the previous budget. Lawmakers stressed the need for adequate allocations this year to complete the project and called for launching revenue-generating initiatives, including hydropower projects that could simultaneously boost electricity supply and provincial income.

Other demands included greater attention to girls' education through construction of schools in underserved areas, establishment of vocational training centres and community schools for women, subsidies for farmers to strengthen agriculture, and measures to control pollution in urban and rural areas. Speakers also urged setting up factories in mineral-rich areas like Karak and prioritising development in neglected regions such as Abbottabad, where no major work has been undertaken in over a decade.

In response, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam assured the House that suggestions from MPAs, particularly women members, would be incorporated into the upcoming budget.

Separately, the Assembly decided to send a list of absent departmental secretaries to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. Presiding Officer Idris Khattak directed the action after noting their non-attendance. PPP's Ahmad Kundi suggested expanding the cabinet to include members who regularly attend assembly sessions.

In another development, the government issued a fresh notification after objections were raised over granting ministerial status to the Adviser on Finance. PPP's Ahmad Kundi had challenged the earlier notification on constitutional grounds, arguing that a full minister requires proper oath-taking. Law Minister and Advocate General clarified the matter, and the presiding officer acknowledged the correction.

The pre-budget discussions reflect growing demands for inclusive, transparent budgeting that prioritises public needs, infrastructure delivery, and economic self-reliance in the face of fiscal constraints. The session underscored calls for stronger provincial advocacy with the federal government to secure rightful shares under the NFC Award.