PESHAWAR: Finance Advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government, Muzammil Aslam said that KP government had originally allocated Rs 144 billion for development projects in its previous budget, however, showing financial efficiency and commitment to development, the provincial government increases its initial allocation and released a total of Rs 148 billion, making103 percent of the allocated development funds.
He further stated that the KP government has utilised 86 per cent of the released funds, highlighting the province’s strong implementation capacity and fiscal discipline. “This performance demonstrates the KP government’s commitment to ensuring that allocated resources are translated into tangible development outcomes,” Aslam remarked.
In contrast, Muzammil Aslam pointed out a significant shortfall in funding from the federal government. While the federal government had earmarked Rs 272 billion for KP, it released only Rs 131 billion, which accounts for just 48% of the promised amount, including both federal and foreign-funded projects. He expressed concern over this shortfall, noting that such delays and under-releases from the federal level severely impact the pace and scale of development activities in the province.
Aslam emphasised that the blame for the low release of funds should not fall on the KP government. “It is unfair to hold Khyber Pakhtunkhwa responsible for the federal government’s inability to fulfil its financial commitments,” he said.
He also criticised opposition parties for overlooking these facts and instead choosing to attack the KP government’s performance. “The opposition fears KP’s excellent financial track record and transparency. Our fiscal management stands as a model for others,” said Aslam, reinforcing the province’s stance on accountability and effective governance.
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