K-P govt, dissident PTI lawmakers fail to reach reconciliation ahead of budget

The reconciliation attempts between the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and its rebellious lawmakers haven't worked. The unhappy lawmakers won't back the new budget unless they talk with PTI founder Imran Khan first.

At a recent get-together in Peshawar, the defiant team tied their actions to pushing for Khan’s freedom. In their declaration, they talked about several things, including how to free their leader.

“This isn’t right,” the statement goes on, criticizing yet again the block on Khan meeting his loved ones. Plus, they insist he can’t see his family or legal team, and his treatment isn’t moving forward either, unless a solid plan forms to help him.

"All assembly members are calling on party leaders to step up and help free Imran Khan through a solid plan," the statement said. Protest efforts now seem chaotic and not very serious.

They did praise Aleema Bibi and the K-P chief minister, though, for their take on the new fiscal year's budget. Members found it encouraging and felt it reflected well on all PTI workers.

Because of this positive note, assembly members still emphasized that the budget won't be supported until the chief minister can meet with Imran Khan. "We're all backing this and won't budge," the statement added. "It's what we're prepared to do no matter what."