Ex-CM Gandapur criticises KP budget, calls development schemes 'unrealistic'

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur launched a sharp critique of the provincial budget during a speech in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, saying that many development schemes are unlikely to be completed even in a century.

Addressing the assembly during the budget session, Gandapur said that the province’s “throw-forward” liabilities had increased to such an extent that major projects, including the Khushal Hazara initiative, would take decades to complete.

He said that only minimal funds had been allocated for several projects, warning that such schemes would eventually become a “burden for lawmakers.”

Gandapur admitted administrative shortcomings, stating that the province had failed to secure its due rights from the federal government and stressed that the tribal areas’ constitutional and financial rights must be recognised.

He further said that societies without justice cannot progress and criticised the lack of benefits reaching the public despite legislation being passed in assemblies.

Referring to political issues, he said PTI founder Imran Khan is currently in jail and is not being provided the rights he is entitled to as a prisoner. He added that pressure must be increased to ensure meeting access and proper treatment.

Gandapur remarked that in his experience of presenting eight budgets, he was well aware of the complexities of budgetary processes, adding that shifting blame would not solve the province’s governance failures.