" KP assembly passes Rs 159 billion budget for March "

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Opposition deems financial bill approval ‘unconstitutional’ without cabinet sanction

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, convened on Monday, greenlit a budget surpassing Rs 159 billion to cater to various provincial departments’ financial needs for March 2024.

Presided over by Speaker Babar Salim Swati, the session saw Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur proposing the allocation under Article 125 of the Constitution to address expenditures associated with the operations of diverse departments across the province.

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Of the budget, Rs 118 billion has been earmarked for current expenditure, while Rs 40 billion has been allocated for the annual development program, to be funnelled into ongoing development projects.

The break down of the budget shows over Rs 231 million allocated for ‘Provincial Assembly’ expenses, while over Rs 675 million allocated for general administration.

During the assembly gathering, Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) member Ahmad Kundi underscored the imperative of subjecting all financial matters to the assembly in accordance with regulatory provisions. He stressed the absence of a cabinet, highlighting the potential unconstitutionality of the assembly’s endorsement.

Opposition leader Dr Ibadullah queried the rationale behind breaching constitutional norms if tasks could be executed within its purview. He proposed that the government, by announcing the appointment of two cabinet members on Monday, could establish legitimacy and expedite the financial bill’s passage.

The break down of the budget shows over Rs 231 million allocated for ‘Provincial Assembly’ expenses, while over Rs 675 million allocated for general administration.

Assembly Member Zaher Shah, citing Article 129 of the constitution, asserted the Chief Minister’s authority to proceed with the budget under constitutional provisions. Despite opposition dissent, the speaker proceeded to table the motion for a vote, securing majority approval within the assembly.

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Earlier, however, Finance Secretary Amar Tareen had disclosed plans to seek advance approval for March’s disbursements during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session. In the absence of the Cabinet, direct approval from the Assembly, under Article 125 of the Constitution, will be pursued, with Rs 5.195 billion slated for March’s allocation.

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