PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, convened on Monday, green-lighted a budget exceeding Rs 159 billion to meet the financial needs of various provincial departments for March 2024.
The meeting, presided over by Speaker Babar Salim Swati, saw Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur propose the allocation of funds under Article 125 of the Constitution to deal with expenses associated with the operations of various departments across the province.
Of the budget, Rs 118 billion has been earmarked for current expenditure, while Rs 40 billion has been allocated for the annual development program to be transferred to ongoing development projects.
The breakdown of the budget shows over Rs 231 crore allocated for “Provincial Assembly” expenditure, while over Rs 675 crore is allocated for general administration.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) member Ahmad Kundi stressed during the assembly that it is imperative that all financial matters be submitted to the assembly in accordance with the regulatory provisions. He highlighted the absence of a cabinet and highlighted the potential unconstitutionality of the assembly’s approval.
Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah questioned the reason for violating constitutional norms if the tasks could be performed within his purview. He suggested that by announcing the appointment of two cabinet members on Monday, the government could ensure legitimacy and speed up the passage of the Finance Bill.
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The breakdown of the budget shows over Rs 231 crore allocated for “Provincial Assembly” expenditure, while over Rs 675 crore is allocated for general administration.
Referring to Article 129 of the Constitution, Assembly member Zaher Shah asserted the chief minister’s authority to proceed with the budget as per constitutional provisions. Despite opposition opposition, the speaker proceeded to put the motion to a vote and secured majority approval in the assembly.
However, earlier, Finance Minister Amar Tareen had revealed plans to get advance approval for the March payments during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session. In the absence of the Cabinet, direct approval of the Assembly will be sought under Article 125 of the Constitution, the March allocation being Rs 5.195 billion.
