PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Wednesday passed the Rs2,170 billion “Khushhal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after the opposition withdrew its cut motions at the government’s request. The assembly also approved the Finance Bill 2026 after debating proposed amendments. Provincial Minister for Law Aftab Alam, who also holds the finance portfolio, moved the motion for budget approval.
The House also approved 66 demands for grants related to the expenditures of government departments.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati then used his special powers to approve the demands for grants of all departments one by one.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah Khan objected to the proceedings and said the opposition was not consulted and that the budget was “bulldozed” through the use of special powers. He said the budget was an important document and that all members had the right to a detailed debate. “Ignoring cut motions is equivalent to taking away the rights of elected representatives,” he said, adding that protecting rights of the House was the speaker’s responsibility and that the method adopted was not appropriate.
Responding to the objection, the speaker said the special powers had been used after mutual consultation.
He said that if any member wanted further debate, a full opportunity would be provided during discussion on the supplementary budget.
The assembly also approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Bill 2026. The law minister moved the motion for its approval, while Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Ahmad Karim Kundi proposed several amendments.
The KP Assembly approved the Finance Bill 2026 after Kundi withdrew all his amendments.
