Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Thursday presented its budget proposals for the fiscal year 2025–26 in the provincial assembly with a total outlay estimated at Rs2,119 billion.

According to official documents, the estimated annual expenditure stands at Rs1,962 billion, with a surplus of Rs157 billion.

Key budget highlights include:

Minimum monthly wage proposed to be increased from Rs36,000 to Rs40,000
10% raise in salaries of government employees
7% increase in pensions
Annual Development Program (ADP) set at Rs547 billion

Presenting the budget, KP Finance Minister Aftab Alam highlighted a 74% increase in non-tax revenue and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public welfare.

He stated that the KP government considers the health sector a key pillar of its development strategy. Under the flagship Sehat Card Plus programme, 4.4 million people have benefitted so far, and the initiative now covers 100% of the province’s population.

On education, Alam said the provincial government has remained serious about strengthening the sector.

He announced that Rs4.9 billion has been allocated for higher education, with several new degree colleges established to improve access and quality.

“Our vision is to provide quality public services to every citizen of KP,” the finance minister remarked during his speech.

Opposition criticizes PTI govt for excluding opp lawmakers from development funds

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Abbadullah delivered a fiery speech during the budget session, criticizing the government for excluding opposition lawmakers from development funds.

“To this day, not a single rupee has been given to opposition members,” he claimed.

“I swear, if even one rupee of corruption is proven against me, hang me,” he challenged, while vowing to bring forward more corruption scandals with evidence.

He accused some lawmakers of playing politics in their constituencies and said the current budget presentation was, in essence, a vote of no-confidence against their own party founder. He also condemned past electoral irregularities, declaring:

“Even those who came into power in 2013 and 2018 through unfair means – may Allah hold them accountable.”