PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has presented details of the province’s financial position and current budget allocations, asserting that its economy remains stable and under control despite economic challenges.
Advisor to Finance KP, Muzammil Aslam, while responding to the Punjab government’s reported purchase of aircraft, said KP has prioritised public welfare and fiscal discipline over luxury expenditures.
He questioned the need for additional aircraft in Punjab, stating that the province already possesses one jet and two helicopters, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operates with only one helicopter and no jet aircraft.
He added that KP is the only provincial government in Pakistan without a jet, yet its financial position remains strong.
According to the finance advisor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has secured over Rs600 billion in various investments and posted a surplus budget of more than Rs350 billion during the last 18 months. He said the province earned over Rs25 billion from investments in the past year alone.
Sharing budgetary details, Muzammil Aslam stated that the total provincial budget for the current year stands at Rs2,119 billion. The education sector has been allocated Rs440 billion, accounting for 22 per cent of the total budget, while Rs280 billion has been earmarked for health and Rs180 billion for security. He added that Rs41 billion has been spent on the health card program this year.
Highlighting austerity measures, the advisor said there has been no increase in salaries of MPAs and cabinet members since 2019. A ban on the purchase of vehicles has been in place since 2022, and restrictions remain on business-class travel and foreign medical treatment. He also noted that petrol cuts introduced during the COVID-19 period have not been restored.
Muzammil Aslam maintained that while the KP government can afford helicopters, planes and other privileges, it has chosen to follow the policy of PTI’s founding chairman Imran Khan, focusing on public service and prudent financial management.
