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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in Pakistan made history by unveiling its budget of Rs1,754 billion ($6.3 billion) ahead of the federal government, a move that has sparked both praise and criticism.

Led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the KP government justified its decision based on provincial autonomy, citing the 18th amendment which grants autonomy to all federating units. The move is seen as a demonstration of efficiency and independence from the federal authorities, especially in a politically polarized environment.

However, critics, including journalist Asmat Shah, argue that presenting the budget before the federal government could widen the trust deficit with Islamabad. Shah also criticized the budget allocation, suggesting that more funds should have been allocated to sectors like security, education, and health, which have been impacted by years of militancy in the region.

Finance minister Aftab Alam, who unveiled the budget in the provincial assembly, highlighted the importance of development expenditures in enhancing people’s lives and creating job opportunities. He also criticized the federal authorities for not providing the province’s due share in revenue, leading to an annual deficit of Rs139 billion ($499.08 million).

The budget allocation of Rs416.30 billion ($1.49 billion) for development expenditures for the fiscal year 2024-25 reflects the government’s focus on promoting prosperity and economic growth in the province. The unveiling of the budget ahead of the federal government marks a significant moment in KP’s history, showcasing its commitment to governance and autonomy.