Peshawar, June 24, 2025: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 late Monday night, despite earlier claims by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur that the budget would not be finalized without the approval of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The budget — totaling Rs1,962 billion — was passed amid controversy and an opposition boycott, after the Speaker allegedly denied members the opportunity to present cut motions. The budget includes Rs547 billion for development projects and outlines a surplus of Rs157 billion, covering allocations for 66 departments and institutions.
Speaking earlier, Chief Minister Gandapur had publicly stated that the budget would be amended if Khan gave further instructions. He accused the federal and Punjab governments of deliberately obstructing his access to the PTI founder, despite court orders permitting meetings.
“I was not allowed to consult Imran Khan properly on this budget. Only a few limited meetings were arranged. His instructions were clear, but we could not seek further guidance with the finance team,” Gandapur said during the budget session.
The chief minister emphasized the importance of Khan’s input, especially given KP’s strategic and security-sensitive position. His remarks highlighted growing concerns over what some see as a leadership vacuum within PTI at a critical moment.
Meanwhile, outside Adiala Jail, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan responded to questions from the media, stating:
“I think Imran Khan has already been sidelined.”
Her comments have fueled fresh speculation about internal divisions within PTI and the waning influence of the former prime minister over party affairs.
The opposition’s boycott and the lack of Khan’s involvement in the budget approval process mark a significant shift in the province’s political dynamics. The budget’s passage, despite these tensions, raises key questions about governance, party cohesion, and Imran Khan’s future role in the political direction of PTI-led KP.
