Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday presented the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, amounting to Rs2.17 trillion with an estimated fiscal deficit of Rs48 billion. The budget outlines revenue targets, development priorities and fiscal management plans for the coming year. The presentation took place amid political tension in the provincial assembly.
At the outset of his speech, the chief minister said that all PTI lawmakers in the provincial assembly had unanimously agreed to present the budget. He noted that the fiscal plan was prepared after cabinet approval and was aligned with broader economic targets set at the national level. He also reiterated that the province would manage the deficit through its own resources.
Afridi announced that the budget would not involve any borrowing of the Rs48 billion deficit, stating that the amount would be covered internally. He further said that the budget aligns with federal revenue expectations and provincial income targets. According to documents, total expected revenue is projected at Rs2.1 trillion, including federal transfers and provincial receipts.
He also stated that no grants would be extended to the federal government in the new budget. The chief minister linked several policy decisions to consultations within his party leadership and reiterated demands related to PTI founder Imran Khan, including access and meetings, which he said remained unresolved during budget proceedings.
The budget focuses on shifting from development to long-term prosperity under the “Khushaal Pakistan” vision. Officials said the financial plan prioritises revenue growth, service delivery and infrastructure development, while maintaining fiscal discipline amid political debate in the assembly.