Security dominates K-P's Rs2.170tr fiscal outlay

• Province shows Rs48b deficit • Rs191b proposed to maintain law, order • 7% increase in salaries and pensions anno

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday presented a budget of Rs2.170 trillion for fiscal year 2026–27, proposing substantial allocations for development projects, social welfare, healthcare, education, and law and order, carrying a deficit of Rs48 billion.

Presenting the budget on the floor of the K-P Assembly with Speaker Babar Salim Swati, the chief minister said that Rs524 billion has been proposed for the Annual Development Program, while Rs1.645 trillion allocated for current expenditures.

Likewise, Rs35 billion earmarked for the merged tribal districts, while the overall budget deficit is estimated at Rs 48 billion.

The provincial government has also proposed a seven percent increase in salaries and pensions for government employees of K-P. Similarly, it has proposed raising the minimum monthly wage by Rs5,000, bringing it to Rs45,000.

For the law and order sector, the budget recommended an allocation of Rs191 billion, while Rs200 million proposed for the Good Governance Road map.

In the social welfare sector, Rs15 billion has been proposed for the Ehsaas Mustahiq Program and Rs 50 billion for the Health Card Program. In addition, Rs 80 billion has been allocated for MTI hospitals.

The chief minister said the budget also includes proposed allocations of Rs36 billion for the Peshawar Rehabilitation Program, Rs7.5 billion for the Peshawar BRT, and Rs4 billion for the Khushhal Hazara Program.

To promote the self-reliance of minority communities, Rs51 million has been recommended, while Rs2 billion has been allocated for the Ehsaas Kisan Program. Another Rs2 billion has been proposed to provide interest-free loans to individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad.

The chief minister said provincial government has also proposed allocating Rs2.5 billion for an electric bikes and rickshaws scheme.

The CM said total of Rs334 billion allocated for the health sector and Rs 468 billion for education. Proposed allocations include Rs 90 billion for the Local Government Department, Rs29 billion for the Home Department, and Rs 14 billion for the transport sector.

Similarly, the budget proposed Rs29 billion for agriculture, Rs42 billion for the energy sector, and Rs28 billion for the Zakat Fund.