The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday presented a Rs2.170 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, outlining significant allocations for development, education, healthcare, social welfare, and law and order. However, the budget has received a mixed response in Hazara Division, where concerns have been raised over regional development priorities and relief measures for government employees.
Employee Benefits and Wage Increase
The provincial government has proposed a seven percent increase in salaries and pensions for government employees, along with an increase of Rs5,000 in the minimum monthly wage, raising it to Rs45,000. KP PA panel reviews Harassment of Women at Workplace (Amend) Bill 2026.
Major Development Allocations
Major development allocations in the budget include Rs36 billion for the Peshawar Rehabilitation Programme, Rs7.5 billion for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, and Rs4 billion for the Khushhal Hazara Programme.
Despite these announcements, political and social circles in Hazara Division have expressed dissatisfaction over what they term limited development funding for the region. Critics have argued that the Rs4 billion allocation for the Khushhal Hazara Programme is insufficient for the needs of the entire division, especially when compared to over Rs50 billion allocated for projects concentrated in Peshawar, raising concerns about regional imbalance in development spending. Shangla witnesses heavy rain, thunderstorms with minor landslides.
Government Employees' Reservations
Government employees have also expressed reservations over the proposed seven percent increase in salaries and pensions, terming it inadequate in view of rising inflation and increasing living costs. Employee representatives have urged the provincial government to reconsider the proposal in the final budget.
Appreciation for Social Sector Focus
Meanwhile, some segments of the public have appreciated the budget’s focus on social sectors, particularly the Rs334 billion allocation for healthcare and Rs468 billion for education, which represent the largest share of sectoral spending in the new fiscal plan. KP to form inquiry committees to probe corruption.
Tags: budget, mixed response, hazara
