Jhagra acknowledges rift in KP Govt, says Imran Khan to decide on budget strategy

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra has confirmed internal rifts within the provincial government, stating that the Chief Minister and the PTI founder, Imran Khan, are not on the same page regarding the recently passed KP budget, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Tuesday.

Speaking during a media interaction outside Adiala Jail, Jhagra said the PTI founder will be taking feedback from the party’s political committee before giving a final verdict on the KP budget.

“The Chief Minister had publicly stated that the budget would not be passed without the founder's permission,” Jhagra pointed out, suggesting that the swift passage of the budget has raised valid questions among the public.

He clarified that the early passage of the budget — presented on June 13 — was essential to avoid the threat of a financial emergency imposed by the federal government.

“The KP government was the first after the federation to present its budget. No other provincial or federal budget has been passed yet,” he added.

Admitting to differences within the provincial leadership, Jhagra called for unity. “If the founder’s team doesn’t play unitedly, trust will erode,” he warned. “Our politics isn’t what matters — the founder’s mission is.”

He further noted that while Tuesdays and Thursdays remain key days for communication with the founder, internal challenges persist. “Yes, there are differences. Resolving them is the biggest challenge right now,” he said, adding, “No matter how cruel the system is, no one has sacrificed like the founder.”

Jhagra urged the party to put aside blame and resolve internal conflicts, insisting that only a collective approach could restore public confidence and further the PTI founder’s vision.