Peshawar/Islamabad: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to meet former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan in jail for consultations regarding the province’s upcoming budget for the next fiscal year.
The request comes as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government finalizes its budget proposals ahead of the new financial year.
Petition Filed in Islamabad High Court
According to reports, Sohail Afridi submitted a petition to the Islamabad High Court, arguing that the provincial budget is a highly sensitive matter that requires consultation with Imran Khan.
In the application, the chief minister requested that permission for the meeting be granted on constitutional, legal, and humanitarian grounds.
He maintained that discussions on the budget are essential before the government presents its financial plans.
“Budget Has Been Prepared and Needs Approval”
Afridi stated in his petition that the provincial budget has already been prepared and now requires consultation with, and approval from, Imran Khan.
According to the chief minister, the proposed meeting is necessary to discuss key financial priorities and obtain guidance regarding the budget strategy for the coming fiscal year.
The request highlights the continuing influence of the PTI founder on the party’s political and policy decisions despite his incarceration.
Budget Discussions Gain Political Importance
The move comes at a time when provincial governments across Pakistan are preparing their budgets for the upcoming financial year.
Budget decisions typically involve allocations for:
- Development projects.
- Education and health sectors.
- Infrastructure spending.
- Public services.
- Social welfare programs.
- Provincial administrative expenditures.
Given the political significance of budget planning, consultations among party leadership often play an important role in determining policy priorities.
KP Adviser Criticizes Federal Development Allocations
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Finance, Muzammil Aslam, criticized the federal government’s development planning and resource allocation.
He alleged that only six projects from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been included in federal development plans.
According to Aslam, the province has received inadequate attention in the federal budget framework.
He claimed that the federal budget offers little support for the development needs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and does not adequately address the province’s requirements.
Federal-Provincial Resource Debate
The remarks reflect ongoing debates between the federal government and provincial administrations regarding development funding and resource distribution.
Provincial officials have frequently argued that greater allocations are needed to address regional infrastructure, economic development, and public service challenges.
Federal authorities, meanwhile, typically maintain that development spending is distributed according to national priorities, available resources, and approved planning frameworks.
Awaiting Court Decision
The Islamabad High Court is expected to consider the chief minister’s petition and determine whether permission should be granted for the requested meeting.
The court’s decision could influence the timing and process of final consultations on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget before its presentation.
Political observers note that the case will attract attention because it touches on both governance matters and the broader relationship between PTI leadership and government officials in the province.
Focus on Upcoming Budget
As the budget season approaches, attention remains focused on how Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will finalize its financial plans and whether the chief minister will be allowed to meet Imran Khan for consultation.
The outcome of the court petition, along with discussions over federal development allocations, is likely to remain a significant topic in provincial and national politics in the days ahead.
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