Peshawar (HRNW)- Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur delivered a strong critique of the provincial budget during his speech in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, warning that many development projects may not be completed even in a century due to inadequate funding allocations.
Speaking during the budget session, Gandapur said that the province’s development throw-forward had grown to alarming levels, citing projects such as Khushhal Hazara, which he claimed would not be completed even in 100 years at the current pace of funding. He argued that allocating only a few million rupees to projects worth billions would burden future lawmakers and create long-term financial challenges.
The former chief minister admitted shortcomings in securing provincial rights from the federal government, particularly regarding the former tribal districts. He stressed that the federation must recognize the sacrifices of tribal communities and ensure they receive their constitutional and financial rights, including royalty payments.
Gandapur also linked the country’s slow development to a lack of justice, stating that societies cannot progress when citizens are denied their rights. Referring to PTI founder Imran Khan, he said that prisoners should receive all rights guaranteed under the law and called for increased efforts to secure meetings with the incarcerated leader.
Criticizing budgetary priorities, he noted that despite agriculture being linked to nearly 69 percent of the province’s population, only a small share of the budget had been allocated to the sector. He also advocated increasing salaries and pensions of government employees by 10 percent in light of rising inflation.
Ali Amin Gandapur acknowledged mistakes made by previous PTI governments, including not allocating sufficient development funds to opposition constituencies. He described this as an error and called for a more inclusive approach to governance.
Emphasizing political reconciliation, Gandapur urged political parties to end the culture of revenge and hostility, stating that national progress requires unity and cooperation beyond partisan interests.
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