KhyberPakhtunkhwa Budget FY27 Focuses on Financial Stability and Development

Local representatives expressed concerns that the provincial administration is not meeting its fiscal obligations, despite significant allocations. A total of Rs14.5 billion has been dedicated to police acquisitions, including Rs7.7 billion for advanced weaponry, Rs18 billion for armored vehicles, and Rs3.5 billion for surveillance and communication technologies. Additional funds include Rs1.7 billion for Safe City initiatives in Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Khyber, Mohmand, and Bajaur districts, alongside Rs1.6 billion for similar projects in other regions.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, emphasized that the 2026-27 budget aims to restore financial stability to the province. He highlighted progress since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insanova (PTI) assumed power in 2013, noting that the region is now on a path to sustainable growth. His address occurred alongside former Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur.

Opposition members, led by Dr. Ibadullah, condemned the budget in the assembly, chanting against its provisions. PTI supporters in the visitor’s gallery countered with pro-government slogans, while treasury representatives defended the government’s stance. Following the debate, PPP lawmaker Ahmad Karim Kundi criticized the provincial administration for neglecting its financial commitments, arguing that the government had compromised its legislative position in federal negotiations.

Kundi further alleged that the provincial government had issued conflicting statements and failed to advance key demands, such as water share allocations. He questioned whether the administration had met its targets for the previous fiscal year, urging accountability for the budget’s execution.

Key Budget Allocations

The administration has reserved Rs14.5 billion for police modernization, covering Rs7.7 billion for arms and ammunition, Rs18 billion for armored vehicles, and Rs3.5 billion for thermal imaging and anti-drone systems. Operational funds amount to Rs7.9 billion, with Rs1.7 billion allocated to Safe City projects and Rs1.6 billion for northern regions. A Rs1 billion investment will support drone-based policing, while Rs600 million is earmarked for a forensic lab in Peshawar.

Education and healthcare saw increased funding: public university grants rose to Rs11.8 billion, and medical institutions received Rs80 billion. Social sector initiatives include Rs50.4 billion for the Sehat Card Plus program and Rs100 million for transgender welfare. A Rs10 billion plan targets 72 Chief Minister Model Schools, alongside Rs36 billion for Peshawar’s urban renewal.

Infrastructure projects include Rs7 billion for a GT Road flyover, Rs4.8 billion for Ring Road underpasses, and Rs3.7 billion for road improvements. The budget also allocates Rs1.5 billion for a missing Ring Road segment and Rs7.5 billion for bus fleet expansion. Environmental and solarization projects total Rs13.2 billion, with Rs98.99 million designated for ecological development.

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