The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly passed the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 without meeting former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had previously stated the budget would not be finalized without Khan’s approval. However, the assembly approved the budget late last night.
In total, the assembly approved Rs1,962 billion for 66 departments and institutions. The budget includes Rs547 billion for development programs and shows a surplus of Rs157 billion. The opposition boycotted the session after the Speaker refused to allow cut motions.
Earlier, CM Gandapur said he would change the budget if Khan provided further instructions. He blamed the federal and Punjab governments for blocking his meetings with Khan. Despite court orders, he claimed only a few meetings with his leader had been possible.
Gandapur expressed concern about not receiving guidance from Khan while preparing the budget. He stressed that as CM of a sensitive province, he needed proper leadership input. He said Khan’s budget instructions were clear, but he was not allowed to meet him with his finance team.
Outside Adiala Jail, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan responded to media questions by saying, “I think Imran Khan has already been sidelined.” This statement further fueled speculation of internal rifts within the party and weakening influence of the former prime minister in decision-making.