KP Assembly Finance Committee Conducts Comprehensive Review of Provincial Finances
The Standing Committee of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on the Finance Department convened a significant meeting on Tuesday at the Provincial Assembly Secretariat in Peshawar. The session was presided over by the committee chairman and Member of the Provincial Assembly, Arbab Usman, who led discussions on critical financial matters affecting the province.
Committee Members and Officials in Attendance
The meeting saw participation from numerous Members of the Provincial Assembly, including Aurangzeb Khan, Ahmed Kundi, Munir Hussain, Sher Ali Afridi, Gropal Singh, Aftab Haider, Askar Parvez, Nisar Baz, Ms Amina Sardar, Ms Shazia Tamas, Ms Sobia Shahid, and Ms Madina Gul. Additionally, key officials such as the Secretary Finance, representatives from the Law, Health, and Auqaf Departments, the Managing Director of the Bank of Khyber, and officers of the Provincial Assembly were present to provide insights and clarifications.
Review of Departmental Actions and Budgetary Transparency
During the proceedings, the committee conducted a detailed review of the actions taken by the Finance, Health, and Auqaf Departments in response to directives issued on 9 September 2025. Explanations were sought on pending matters to ensure accountability and progress. The Secretary Finance informed the committee that the current and development budgets of all provincial departments are accessible on the Finance Department's website. However, Chairman Arbab Usman emphasized the need for an effective system to prominently display all provincial financial funds on a single comprehensive platform for enhanced transparency.
Financial Challenges and Demands for Fair NFC Award Share
The Secretary Finance highlighted that the major financial burden of reforms in the merged districts, formerly known as FATA, is significantly impacting the provincial budget. In a notable development, Member of the Assembly Ms Sobia Shahid demanded that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive a fair share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, comparable to provinces like Punjab and Sindh. The Finance Department provided clarifications on NFC-related queries, underscoring the ongoing discussions about equitable resource distribution.
Health Department and Auqaf Department Inquiries
The Health Department presented complete budgetary details for Ayub Teaching Hospital in Abbottabad, while the Standing Committee sought comprehensive information on province-wide revenue data. In response to a question by MPA Nisar Baz, the Medical Superintendent of the Health Department provided an inquiry report against relevant officers at DHQ Bajaur and complete information regarding the Sehat Sahulat Card. Furthermore, the Auqaf Department was asked to provide details on the solarization of various mosques across the province, and MPA Askar Parvez sought clarification regarding compensation for martyrs and injured individuals from the suicide attack on a church in Peshawar.
Banking and Loan Details
Ms Amina Sardar directed officials of the Bank of Khyber to provide complete details of loans, emphasizing the importance of financial oversight and support for provincial development initiatives.
Conclusion and Future Directions
At the conclusion of the meeting, recommendations were formulated on various matters discussed. The relevant departments were directed to present progress reports at the next meeting, ensuring continued follow-up and implementation of the committee's directives. This session underscores the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly's commitment to addressing financial challenges and promoting transparency in provincial governance.
