LOWER DIR: KP’s former chief minister and central chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentarians, Mahmood Khan, on Sunday rejected the provincial budget, describing it as anti-people, and alleged that the PTI lawmakers were neither serious nor sincere in their efforts for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Speaking to reporters in Timergara after offering condolences on the death of the mother-in-law of former director general health Dr Shaukat Ali, the former CM criticised the provincial government’s budgetary priorities and accused incumbent PTI legislators of betraying the party’s founding leadership.
Strict security arrangements were put in place during his visit, while a number of long-time party workers accompanied him. Mr Khan said the provincial budget offered little in terms of public welfare and failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens.
He expressed concern over what he described as insufficient funding for ongoing development projects, alleging that several new schemes had been included in the budget even though they were unlikely to be completed for many years.
Says PTI lawmakers not serious about Imran’s release
The former chief minister also voiced concern over the law and order situation in the province, claiming that the government had no writ in many areas. He maintained that peace had prevailed across the province during his tenure.
Commenting on the broader political situation, the former chief minister said no government could be formed without the support of the establishment and claimed that significant political changes were expected in the country after the passage of the budget.
DDAC CHAIRMAN MEDIA TALKS:Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MPA and District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) chairman Ubaidur Rehman has said that the provincial budget has allocated billions of rupees for development projects in PK-17 for the first time, adding that the schemes would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in the constituency.
Speaking to reporters in Munda on Sunday, Mr Rehman said Rs1 billion had been earmarked for road construction projects in PK-17, while another Rs1 billion had been allocated for the construction of link bridges.
He said Rs800 million had been approved for the establishment of a degree college in Munda, while a family park would also be developed to provide recreational facilities to residents. The lawmaker said separate Rescue 1122 centres would be established in Munda and Samarbagh tehsils to improve emergency response services in the area.
Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026