Opposition rips into approved K-P budget

Ibadullah warns fiscal plan risks derailing development

PESHAWAR:

In a fiery session of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah delivered a blistering critique of the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, going so far as to pray that the financial plan never takes effect.

"I pray this budget is never implemented, otherwise the province will not be able to progress," Dr Ibadullah declared following the assembly's approval of the budget.

The opposition leader warned that if funds are not allocated for 90 per cent of the already-completed development projects, they too will fall into ruin. He noted the unusual atmosphere surrounding the budget's passage, observing that neither the government nor the opposition appeared satisfied with the outcome. "No one congratulated anyone," he remarked.

In a dramatic statement, Dr Ibadullah declared: "Today, love has been defeated and corruption has won. The devotees of Imran passed the budget despite opposition from Imran's sisters and the party itself."

Taking aim at Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the opposition leader predicted that this would be his first and last budget. He recalled that last year he had forecast that the provincial government would be unable to present its next budget, a prediction that came true following the fall of the Ali Amin Gandapur administration.

He drew attention to contradictions in the government's economic narrative, pointing out that when the dollar began appreciating during the PTI's federal tenure, government ministers had celebrated it as beneficial, a stance now contradicted by the provincial finance adviser's current position.

The opposition leader lamented missed opportunities for resource generation, noting that despite holding power, the provincial government had failed to formulate an effective strategy. He asserted that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa could achieve self-sufficiency in power generation, tourism, and minerals, but no serious steps had been taken to develop these sectors.

"Tourist destinations lack basic facilities, roads, hotels, and even drinking water," he said, adding that despite pre-budget proposals, no tangible results were visible.

On education, Dr Ibadullah highlighted that several school buildings completed years ago were still awaiting SNE (School Nutrition and Education) approval to become operational.

Rejecting claims of partisanship, the opposition leader maintained that he had never held a ministerial position but had always served as a public representative. He noted that Ali Amin Gandapur had also spoken as a public representative two days prior, though his stance had differed during his tenure as chief minister.