Will Pakistan’s KP govt present budget without Imran’s nod?

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is expected to present the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the assembly on June 13 (tomorrow), despite uncertainty over whether the party's patron-in-chief and jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, has been formally consulted or has given his consent.

The issue of consultation came to light after Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, claimed during a media talk two days ago that the former prime minister had instructed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur not to proceed with the budget without first seeking his input.

“The KP budget is essentially PTI’s budget, and since Khan is the party’s head, consultation is a must,” she asserted.

This assertion was reinforced by a post from Imran's official account on X, saying: “I have made it clear to Gandapur that the KP budget will not be presented without consulting me.”

A clipped portion of Imran Khan’s tweet highlighting his views on the KP budget.X

Despite these public statements, the KP government and the provincial assembly appear to be moving forward with budget preparations. Official notifications have been issued confirming the budget’s presentation on June 13.

To meet procedural requirements, the government has handed the additional charge of the finance portfolio to Law Minister Aftab Alam. This step was necessary because the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, is not an elected member and therefore ineligible to present the budget on the assembly floor under KP Assembly rules.

A notification issues by the KP government regarding the budget session.Nukta correspondent

However, in preparation for the budget, the KP government has also scheduled a special cabinet meeting to secure formal approval of the annual allocations prior to the assembly session.

However, signs of a potential last-minute change remain.

Chance of last-minute change

PTI’s provincial secretary for information and KP Assembly member, Adeel Iqbal, told Nuktathat CM Gandapur is expected to meet Khan ahead of the budget presentation. “If Khan does not give approval, we will not present the budget,” Iqbal said, indicating that the matter is still under discussion.

A provincial minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed this sentiment, revealing that a meeting of the parliamentary party has been convened before the assembly session to deliberate on the situation. “If Khan says no, then it’s a no,” the minister stated, leaving the door open to a possible reversal.

What does the Constitution say?

Amid this political uncertainty, constitutional experts have weighed in on the legal obligations of the provincial government. Advocate Ali Gohar Durrani explained that the authority to approve and present the budget lies with the cabinet, not the party leadership.

“The party head has no constitutional role in this process,” he said. “Passing the budget is the government’s responsibility. Failing to do so would amount to a dereliction of duty.”

Durrani further cautioned that if the budget is not passed before June 30 -- the end of the current fiscal year -- a financial deadlock could ensue. “The government must act to fulfil its constitutional mandate. Not doing so would be a disservice to its citizens,” he added.

Shumail Butt, former Advocate General of KP, underscored the legal consequences of inaction. He noted that without an approved budget, any government spending -- including salary disbursements to public employees -- would become unconstitutional.

“While the government itself wouldn’t dissolve automatically, failing to pass the budget could trigger a financial emergency and may be challenged in court or before the Election Commission as grounds for disqualification,” he warned.

As the clock ticks down to June 13, it remains to be seen whether the KP government will proceed with presenting the budget -- and whether it will do so with, or without, explicit approval from the party founder.