KP Assembly passes Rs121bn supplementary budget, approves ADP amendments

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Sunday passed the Rs121 billion supplementary budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year by a majority vote, while also approving proposed amendments to the province's Annual Development Programme (ADP).

The assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the imposition of new federal taxes in Malakand Division and the merged tribal districts.

The resolution urged the federal government to immediately withdraw all new taxes introduced in the latest budget, including income tax and sales tax, and called for no new taxes to be imposed until development promises are fulfilled and the underdeveloped regions are brought at par with the rest of the country.

The supplementary budget, covering additional expenditures of Rs 121 billion, was approved after the treasury benches rejected all opposition cut motions.

Opposition lawmakers boycotted the voting after they were not allowed to move their cut motions.

Before walking out of the House, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Sobia Shahid staged a protest in front of the Speaker's dais, accusing the government of denying the opposition its parliamentary right to present the motions.

The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw Provincial Law and Finance Minister Aftab Alam present the demands for grants of various departments, which were approved in the absence of the opposition.

The House approved 59 demands for grants and endorsed the authenticated financial schedule for the current fiscal year presented by the finance minister.

According to the approved figures, Rs50.49 billion was allocated for current expenditures, while Rs71.73 billion was earmarked for development spending.

The assembly also approved Rs7.35 billion under the relief head.

In addition, the House sanctioned supplementary grants exceeding Rs30 billion for three key departments: the General Administration Department, the Provincial Assembly, and the Finance, Treasuries, and Local Fund Audit Department.

With the passage of the supplementary budget and ADP amendments, the provincial government secured legislative approval for its additional spending plans despite strong opposition protests and a walkout by opposition members.