Despite Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s insistence that the budget would not be finalized without guidance from PTI founder Imran Khan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed the provincial budget for 2025-26 late last night—without the much-anticipated meeting between the two leaders.
In his speech before the budget approval, Chief Minister Gandapur reiterated his loyalty to Imran Khan, declaring that he still intends to make adjustments to the budget once he is able to consult the PTI founder. Whenever I meet the founder of PTI, I will amend the budget as per his directions,Gandapur said, addressing the Assembly.
Budget Breakdown
The KP Assembly approved cash demands amounting to Rs. 1,962 billion for 66 provincial departments and institutions. The approval came amid heightened political tension, without opposition participation, which boycotted the session due to the Speaker’s refusal to discuss their proposed cut motions. These motions were dismissed through a majority vote.
The Rs. 1,962 billion budget includes:
- Rs. 547 billion allocated for Annual Development Programs (ADPs)
- Rs. 157 billion surplus
- Allocations covering education, health, law enforcement, infrastructure, and other key sectors
Despite the political drama, the budget was passed smoothly from a procedural standpoint, although critics argue that it lacks true democratic endorsement due to the absence of opposition voices in the process.
Gandapur Lashes Out Over Blocked Meeting With Imran Khan
Chief Minister Gandapur did not hold back his frustration. He accused the fake Form 47 government— a term used by PTI to describe what they allege is an illegitimate federal government formed through election rigging — of deliberately obstructing his meetings with Imran Khan.
Despite court orders, I have not been allowed to meet my leader. I am the Chief Minister of the country’s most sensitive province, and yet I have only been permitted to see him a handful of times, Gandapur stated.
He emphasized that PTI’s leadership and particularly Imran Khan’s guidance are crucial to provincial decision-making, especially on matters like the budget. Gandapur revealed that he wanted to bring his entire finance team to meet Imran Khan, but the federal and Punjab authorities have consistently blocked such efforts.
Political Undercurrents: ‘It’s All About Minus Imran Khan’
Outside Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan remains incarcerated, his sister Aleema Khan addressed media queries and made a pointed remark:
I think it’s only Imran Khan who has been left behind, she said, suggesting that efforts are being made to sideline the former Prime Minister entirely from Pakistan’s political framework.
Her comments echo a sentiment shared by many within PTI ranks and its supporter base — that there is a calculated attempt to isolate Imran Khan from influencing political or policy decisions, including those that concern his own party’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Opposition Boycotts Budget Session
Adding to the controversy, the opposition parties boycotted the session, citing the Speaker’s refusal to entertain their cut motions — formal proposals that suggest specific reductions in budget allocations.
Without opposition input or participation, the budget approval process lacked robust debate, raising concerns about transparency and inclusive governance. Critics argue that while the KP government may have achieved a procedural win, it has come at the cost of democratic fairness.
Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed to make amendments to the budget once he is able to consult with Imran Khan, signaling that the approved budget is far from final in the eyes of PTI leadership.
This situation continues to reflect the deep political divide in Pakistan, especially regarding Imran Khan’s ongoing legal and political isolation. Meanwhile, governance in KP appears to be proceeding under unusual constraints — with the Chief Minister trying to lead while being cut off from his party’s central figure.
As the new fiscal year begins, the KP budget moves forward — but with clear political fault lines and uncertainty about potential future changes. All eyes remain on whether Gandapur will eventually get his meeting with Khan, and what policy revisions may follow.
