The PTI Rs385 billion claim, that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s treasury held this much money, has drawn sharp criticism. Critics argue the figure alone proves neither a fiscal surplus nor good governance. Nor does it show that the province’s financial problems had been solved.
What Did the Rs385 Billion Actually Represent?
According to figures released by PTI itself, Rs250 billion sat in the Debt Management Account and Rs135 billion in the Provincial Consolidated Account. Together, the two make Rs385 billion.
But the balance in an account and the net resources left after all liabilities are two different things. Critics say that without clarifying the liabilities, approved expenditures, loan repayments and other obligations set against these funds, calling the entire amount freely spendable is misleading.
Is Debt Repayment Not the Purpose of the Debt Management Fund?
The KP government’s own White Paper 2025-26, issued under PTI, states that the Debt Management Fund was created to help repay loans and bring down the overall cost of borrowing. The document says the fund received initial capital of Rs150 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. Its estimated closing balance, including profit, was about Rs154.067 billion.
For that reason, critics say the money cannot be presented as unconditional cash available for immediate spending. They also say the claimed September 2026 figure of Rs250 billion needs to be verified through up-to-date official accounts and full details of the fund.
If the Treasury Was So Strong, What About Services and Security?
A large balance in the provincial treasury is one thing. Actual performance is judged by a different set of questions:
- How much was allocated and actually released to strengthen the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD)?
- How much was spent on police posts, equipment, training and infrastructure in areas hit by terrorism?
- How much of the development budget was truly spent, and how many projects were completed?
- How many payments to government departments, contractors and other claimants were pending?
The answers, critics say, should come from budgets, revised estimates, expenditure details and audit reports, not from a single consolidated balance.
Where Is the Evidence for the 18-Day Salary Claim?
PTI has also said that in 2024 the provincial treasury held only enough to cover 18 days of salaries. If so, the claim should be verified against the official cash balance of the time, liabilities, salary bills and audited financial records.
The same standard should apply to the 2026 figure of Rs385 billion. A comparison between figures from different dates is credible only if both use the same basis, definitions and accounting of obligations.
Public Money, Public Accountability
The province’s resources do not belong to any political party. They are held in trust for the public. The Rs385 billion claim does not place any party above accountability, and a political slogan cannot settle the legal status of these funds.
The critics’ demand is that the full financial details, liabilities, expenditures and audit records be shown to the public so the claims can be tested against the numbers.