Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tradition of Unutilized Budgets Continues: Only 13% of Development Funds Spent in Six Months Amid Protests Against Federal Government.
The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has spent just 13% of its allocated development budget during the first six months of the fiscal year 2024-25.
This underutilization is attributed to the government’s preoccupation with protests against the federal government and the demand for former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release.
The performance of ministers and departments has been deemed unsatisfactory, with most departments spending only 10% of their allocated development funds.
Budget Allocation and Utilization Highlights
1. Total Allocation
A development budget of PKR 416 billion was allocated for settled and tribal districts. However, three departments failed to spend any amount during this period.
2. Key Departmental Spending:
Education: Utilized 14% of the allocated budget.
Finance: 5% of the budget spent.
Science & Technology: Only 4% utilized.
Health, Local Government, Tourism: Spent 10% of their budgets.
Multi-sector Development, Sports, Culture & Archaeology: Utilized just 12%
3. Major Projects Left Untouched:
Annual Development Program for tehsils (PKR 24 billion allocated): Not a single rupee spent.
Urban Policy Unit (PKR 500 million allocated): No spending recorded.
4. Sector-Wise Spending Details:
Agriculture: PKR 5 billion out of PKR 16.77 billion utilized.
Primary and Secondary Education: PKR 2.37 billion out of PKR 16.1 billion spent.
Energy & Power: PKR 750 million out of PKR 29.54 billion utilized.
Health: PKR 2.79 billion out of PKR 25.29 billion spent.
5. Other Departments:
Departments like Labour and Urban Policy Unit failed to utilize any portion of their allocated budgets. Critical departments like Higher Education, Law and Justice, and Local Government underperformed, spending less than 25% of their funds.
Reasons for Underutilization
Sources suggest the provincial government’s focus on political protests and federal disputes led to the neglect of development projects. As a result, crucial funds meant for public welfare and infrastructure development remain unspent, raising questions about governance and priorities.
