KP CM links budget approval to PTI founder’s meeting

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that he will not sign any budget draft and no grant will be released to the federal government until he is allowed to meet the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that he will not sign any budget draft and no grant will be released to the federal government until he is allowed to meet the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaking during a provincial assembly session chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, the chief minister’s remarks came amid opposition protests in the house. In response to the unrest, he instructed that opposition members be provided with water and asked them to remain calm.

The budget session was attended by former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other dissenting members, while opposition lawmakers continued their protest during the proceedings. The chief minister again urged the opposition to maintain patience and restraint.

Sohail Afridi said that the party’s demand has been consistent, including access to the PTI founder for medical treatment in a better hospital and restoration of meetings. He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have repeatedly given their trust to PTI in three consecutive elections.

Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet approved budget proposals for the fiscal year 2026-27. The total proposed budget stands at Rs2.17 trillion, with more than Rs519 billion allocated for the Annual Development Programme.

The government has also proposed a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for public sector employees.