National ( The cow news digital ) In a significant political development in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, tensions have surfaced over the provincial budget following remarks attributed to Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, directed at Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The exchange took place during an informal interaction at a checkpoint in Rawalpindi, where the issue of budget approval became a focal point of discussion.
According to statements shared during the conversation, Aleema Khan reportedly urged the Chief Minister not to proceed with the approval of the provincial budget until she is granted access to meet Imran Khan. She questioned the urgency of passing the budget and insisted that communication with the party founder should be prioritized before any legislative financial decisions are finalized. She also referenced previous instructions, stating that Imran Khan had expressed the desire to be consulted on budget-related matters in the past.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, responding to the situation, reiterated that governance and budgetary matters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are guided by party leadership decisions and broader policy directions. He emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to presenting a “people-friendly budget” focused on key sectors including health, education, agriculture, youth development, and forestry.
Afridi also highlighted concerns regarding political restrictions surrounding Imran Khan’s access and medical treatment, stating that he should be shifted to a better medical facility and allowed to receive care in the presence of family and personal doctors. He further claimed that limitations on meeting arrangements have created unnecessary political and administrative pressure.
The Chief Minister added that the provincial cabinet has already approved budget proposals, and preparations are underway for presenting a balanced financial plan. He rejected speculation about internal divisions within the party in the province, describing such reports as propaganda.
He further criticized the federal government’s economic management, pointing to rising debt levels, increasing trade deficits, and unmet tax targets. According to him, these macroeconomic challenges will inevitably impact provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Despite the political tension, Afridi reaffirmed that the provincial government remains focused on delivering development-oriented initiatives. He stated that the upcoming budget would reflect public needs and prioritize essential services while navigating economic constraints imposed at the national level.
The exchange underscores ongoing political sensitivities within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ecosystem, particularly surrounding leadership authority, decision-making control, and the status of Imran Khan.
