PESHAWAR
Opposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly here Friday rejected the passage of budget by treasury and criticized government for its ignorance about the immensity of debt and lack of plan to pay debt.
Opposition slammed the indifference of treasury benches and said that receipts of the province are decreasing and government has without resources and money to pay salaries of employees. The session was chaired by Speaker, Babar Salim Swati.
Opening debate on the passing of surplus budget for the financial year 2023-24, leader of opposition, Dr. Ibadullah said that surplus budgets are passed in emergencies, extraordinary situations or significant decrease of receipts.
He said that surplus budget amounting to Rs 306 billion was tabled in the assembly that shows an increase of 36 percent as compared to annual budget. Showing his astonishment, opposition leader said that surplus budget is misleading and devoid of facts and figures.
He said that unnecessary recruitment has been done in livestock department, Sehat card scheme lacks transparency, BRT has turned into a white elephant while allocation that was meant for salaries has been diverted to developmental schemes as it was the year of general elections.
He said that Rs. 1.3 billion were sought for continuing operations of BRT that is a proof that this mega transport scheme is facing losses. He said that private company has filed a case against BRT while Peshawar Development Authority has not sufficient funds to hire prosecutor.
Dr. Ibadullah said that we are not against Sehat Card but the procedure to run this scheme lacks transparency. He said that there was certain criterion for availing facilities under Sehat Card but the government has allowed everyone to avail medical facilities under the said scheme. He also demanded audit of this project that was being run by huge spending of public money.
He said that government has miserably failed to increase its receipts and people of KP province are still waiting for addressal of their basic issues. He also criticized government for not utilizing income of Swat Expressway on people of Malakand.
Opposition members, Adnan Khan said that surplus budget is deceiving and being prepared ignoring ground realities and financial position of the province. He said that we are ready to help government but the figures and data of the surplus budget must be scrutinized.
