KP Budget 2025-26: Approval Delayed – Pakistan News
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governmentS 2025-26 budget approval is delayed, pending approval from Imran Khan, the imprisoned former prime minister. The KP Assembly has postponed the budget vote until Monday, highlighting Khan’s continued political role. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur is committed to following khan’s guidance. The opposition questions the legality of the delay, impacting crucial financial decisions for the province. The cabinet’s approval of the budget is now in question. The fate of the KP budget and the stability of the government hang in balance becuase of this. For breaking news and in-depth analysis, turn to News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
KP Budget Vote delayed Pending Imran Khan’s Approval
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has postponed its budget approval process until Monday, awaiting the green light from Imran Khan, the incarcerated former prime minister and founder of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
Babar saleem Swati, speaker of the KP Assembly, initially stated Thursday that the 2025-26 provincial budget would only pass with Khan’s consent.This decision highlights the notable political role Khan continues to play, even while imprisoned.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Kan Gandapur planned to meet with Khan in jail. “if he approves, we will pass the budget on June 24. If he does not approve, we will follow his directions,” Swati told the assembly during the budget session.
Gandapur later released a video statement urging PTI lawmakers to halt cut motions on the budget during the ongoing session. He emphasized his commitment to following Khan’s guidance on the budget, expressing frustration that the meeting had not yet occurred despite repeated requests.
Gandapur argued that denying him access to Khan, especially with the budget’s approval contingent upon his consent, was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the provincial government. He suggested this could possibly invite federal intervention under a financial emergency, as the constitution allows the central government to assume control if a provincial budget fails to pass.
“I am telling the institutions, the entire system and the federal government that as chief minister, I can dissolve the assembly at any time. Imran Khan has the authority to issue orders for it,” Gandapur said.
Speaker Swati reiterated friday that discussions on cut motions would be suspended until Khan approved the budget draft. “The budget will not be passed with Imran Khan’s consent,” he stated, referencing Gandapur’s video message to PTI lawmakers.
Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah challenged the legality of delaying the budget on political grounds.He argued that linking the budget approval, which impacts 45 million people, to “one person” sets a troubling precedent. He further noted that the budget had already received cabinet approval, making the delay questionable.
“If you [ruling PTI] are not going ahead with this [budget’s approval] this will be a no-confidence in your own government,” Ibadullah said.
Swati responded that the house voted to halt the budget process by a majority decision and adjourned the session until Monday afternoon.
What’s next
Opposition members plan to consult with legal experts to determine their next steps. Dr. Ibadullah told reporters that suspending the budget process after cabinet approval undermines the government’s credibility. The assembly is scheduled to reconvene Monday, where the future of the budget and the stability of the KP government will be further debated.