Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has presented its budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly, with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announcing a total outlay of Rs2,170 billion.
The budget session witnessed strong protests from opposition members, who created a ruckus in the house, surrounded the speaker’s dais, and raised slogans while holding placards. The intense protest led to heightened tension within the assembly.
During the session, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that no official draft would be signed and no grants would be released to the federal government until permission is granted for a meeting with the PTI founder.
The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, remained tense as opposition lawmakers continued their protest inside the house.
Addressing the opposition, the chief minister urged them to “have patience” and directed staff to provide water to protesting members during the proceedings.
He also reiterated his party’s stance that the PTI founder should receive treatment at a better medical facility and that meetings with him should be restored. Afridi added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reaffirmed their trust in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for a third consecutive term.
The session was also attended by former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur along with other disgruntled lawmakers. Due to the protest, proceedings remained disrupted for a considerable time, while the budget debate is scheduled to continue in the next sitting.
