KP slams Punjab over Jet purchase, flaunts record budget discipline

• Finance Advisor Muzzammil Aslam questions need for Punjab’s new aircraft while flood victims remain uncompensated

• Says Punjab already has one jet and two helicopters; KP has only one helicopter and no jet

• Claims KP secured Rs600b in investments and posted Rs350b surplus in 18 months

• Education budget at Rs440b (22%), health Rs280b and security Rs180 bln

 PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam has criticized the Punjab Government for its decision to purchase an aircraft, questioning the need for additional jets while flood victims remain uncompensated.

In remarks shared yesterday on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Muzzammil Aslam noted that Punjab already possesses one jet and two helicopters, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has only one helicopter and no jet aircraft, making it the only provincial government in Pakistan without a jet. He questioned, “If flood victims have not yet received compensation, why is there a need to buy another plane?”

The Finance Advisor highlighted that the financial position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains stable and under control. The province has secured over Rs 600 billion in investments, delivered a surplus budget exceeding Rs 350 billion over the past 18 months, and earned more than Rs 25 billion in financial income from investments in the last year alone.

He detailed the province’s allocations, stating that the education budget stands at Rs440 billion (22% of the total budget), the health budget at Rs280 billion, and the security budget at Rs180 billion. He added that Rs41 billion has already been spent on the Sehat Card program this year.

The advisor also noted that since 2019, there has been no increase in salaries of MPAs and cabinet members. Furthermore, since 2022, the province has maintained a ban on vehicle purchases, fuel cuts introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been restored, and official business trips and medical treatment abroad remain prohibited.

Muzzammil Aslam said that the total budget of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the current fiscal year is Rs 2,119 billion. While the provincial government has the capacity to afford helicopters, planes, and other privileges, he emphasized that the policy of Imran Khan, the founding chairman, prioritizes serving the nation over luxury acquisitions.