Pakistan’s KP Province Delays Budget Pending Imran Khan‘s Approval
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PESHAWAR – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government in Pakistan has postponed the approval of its upcoming budget until Monday, June 23, 2025, awaiting the consent of imprisoned Pakistan tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. This decision has sparked controversy and raised constitutional questions regarding the province’s governance.
Budget Approval Hinges on Imran Khan’s Consent
Speaker of the KP Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, announced on Thursday that the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 would only be approved after Imran Khan grants permission. Chief Minister Ali Amin Kan Gandapur is expected to meet with Imran Khan in jail to seek his approval. “If he approves, we will pass the budget on June 24.If he does not approve, we will follow his directions,” Swati stated during the assembly’s budget session.
Did You Know? The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) won the majority of seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in the 2024 general election, allowing them to form the provincial government.
Constitutional Concerns and Potential Federal Intervention
Chief Minister Gandapur issued a video statement urging PTI lawmakers to halt cut motions on the budget. He emphasized that his government would adhere to Imran Khan’s directives on the budget. Gandapur expressed frustration that a meeting with Khan had not yet occured, despite repeated requests. He argued that denying Khan input on the budget, especially sence its approval is linked to his consent, is a conspiracy to destabilize the provincial government. Gandapur warned that the federal government could intervene under a financial emergency if the budget is not passed, as permitted by the Constitution.
Gandapur cautioned that any such federal intervention would disrupt the entire system. He directed treasury members to refrain from voting on cut motions, as this would initiate the budget approval process. “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 stated, adding that the next steps would be decided on Monday.
Opposition Challenges Legality of Delay
Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah questioned the legality of delaying the budget on political grounds, arguing that it sets a new precedent by linking approval to “one person.” He stated that the budget,impacting 45 million people,had already been approved by the cabinet and should proceed accordingly. “if you [ruling PTI] are not going ahead with this [budget’s approval], this will be a no-confidence in your own government,” he asserted.
Pro Tip: Cut motions are a standard parliamentary procedure used to propose reductions in government spending. Halting thes motions effectively stalls the budget approval process.
Speaker Swati responded that the house halted the budget process by a majority decision and adjourned the session until 2 PM on Monday. Opposition members plan to consult legal experts to determine their next course of action. Dr. Ibadullah criticized the suspension of the budget process after cabinet approval as a vote of no-confidence in the government. He also expressed concern that the regional situation,notably the Israel-Iran conflict,requires political stability,which he believes the PTI government lacks.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2025 | Speaker Swati announces budget approval depends on Imran Khan’s permission. |
| June 20, 2025 | Chief Minister gandapur urges PTI lawmakers to halt cut motions. |
| June 21, 2025 | Assembly session adjourned until June 23, 2025. |
| June 23, 2025 | Next steps to be decided after potential meeting with Imran Khan. |
The situation remains fluid, with the future of the KP budget and the stability of the provincial government hanging in the balance.The outcome of the meeting with Imran Khan and the subsequent decisions made by the KP Assembly will be critical in determining the path forward.
What impact will this delay have on the citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
How might the federal government respond if the KP budget is not approved?
Evergreen Insights: The Significance of Budget Approvals
Government budget approvals are critical processes that determine the allocation of resources for public services, infrastructure, and other essential sectors. Delays or impasses in budget approvals can lead to significant disruptions in government operations, affecting citizens’ access to services and potentially triggering economic instability. In Pakistan, provincial budgets are particularly important due to the division of powers and responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with its unique socio-political dynamics, frequently enough faces distinct challenges in budget management and governance.
FAQ
- Why is the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget delayed?
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has delayed passing its budget to seek approval from Imran Khan, the incarcerated founder of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
- What happens if Imran Khan does not approve the budget?
- Speaker Babar Saleem Swati stated that if Imran Khan does not approve the budget, the KP government will follow his directions, though the specific actions remain unclear.
- What are the potential constitutional implications of delaying the budget for Imran Khan’s approval?
- Chief minister Ali Amin Kan Gandapur suggested that delaying the budget could allow the federal government to intervene under a financial emergency, potentially destabilizing the provincial government.
- What is the opposition’s view on the budget delay?
- opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah questioned the legality of delaying the budget on political grounds, arguing that it sets a new precedent and could be seen as a vote of no-confidence in the ruling PTI government.
- What are cut motions and why are they relevant to the budget process?
- cut motions are proposals to reduce expenditure on specific items in the budget. The KP government has halted discussions on cut motions until Imran Khan approves the draft budget, effectively pausing the budget approval process.
- Could the delay in budget approval lead to the dissolution of the KP assembly?
- Chief Minister Gandapur has stated he could dissolve the assembly at any time and that Imran Khan has the authority to order it, suggesting that the budget impasse could trigger such a move.
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