Financial situation worsening ahead of upcoming budget, warns KP finance minister

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Finance Minister Muzammil Aslam has warned that the financial situation is worsening ahead of the upcoming budget.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the KP Finance Minister stated that key economic issues must be settled before the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting can take place.

He noted that matters involving massive sums of Rs 1,700 billion and Rs 1,200 billion remain unresolved, adding that crucial legislation needs to be enacted prior to the budget’s presentation.

Muzammil Aslam emphasized that consultation with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan is essential for budget preparation.

He maintained that if the provincial leadership is allowed to meet with Imran Khan, the former prime minister could provide a viable solution to the country’s prevailing political and economic crises.

Referring to inter-provincial dynamics, the minister described Punjab and Sindh as “elder brothers” to KP. He concluded by stating that, given the unresolved issues, the upcoming meeting of the National Economic Council is likely to be postponed.

KP govt simultaneously introducing comprehensive reforms in ADF to promote farm sector: Minister

Meanwhile, Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Agriculture Mian Muhammad Umar has said that the provincial government is simultaneously introducing comprehensive reforms in the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) to promote Agriculture sector, ensure farmers prosperity and increase agricultural productivity, while also making agricultural extension services more effective and farmer-friendly through modern digital technologies.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the affairs, performance, challenges and proposed reforms of Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

The meeting was attended by Director General Agriculture Extension Dr. Naveed, Director General Agriculture Services Academy Murad Ali and other senior officials of Agriculture Department.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the financial resources of the ADF, seed production, storage, processing and system of supplying quality seeds to farmers.

Mian Muhammad Umar stated that Agriculture Development Fund would be further strengthened on modern lines and its administrative, financial and operational capacities would be enhanced.

Meeting also reviewed key challenges facing ADF, including lack of modern processing machinery and shortage of human resources.

Separately, while addressing a review meeting on digital reforms in Agriculture Department, Advisor Agriculture Muhammad Umar said that revolutionary changes are being introduced in agricultural services through modern technology.

Farmers are being provided timely information regarding weather forecasts, crop management, disease control and government schemes through call centers, web portals, mobile applications, SMS, and phone calls.

He reiterated that the provincial government is committed to making Agriculture Development Fund more active, self-sustaining and aligned with modern requirements, while also promoting use of digital technology to ensure farmers have access to timely and reliable agricultural information.