CM Gandapur dismisses federal budget 2025–26: “Disconnected from ground realities

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has categorically rejected the federal budget for 2025-26, calling it “illogical, disconnected and a reflection of the despair that has spread across the country.”

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader strongly criticized the budget presented by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Gandapur asserted that the budget has failed to meet the real needs of the people and it shows a lack of understanding of the country’s socio-economic crisis.

“This is a strange budget – it has neither a head nor a tail,” Gandapur said. “The situation across the country is hopeless. In such circumstances, taking to the streets and starting a movement is not just an option but a necessity.”

He accused the federal government of continuing the oppression and ignoring the challenges faced by the provinces, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where inflation, resource scarcity and instability have further increased.

Reiterating his loyalty to the founding leadership of the PTI, Gandapur announced his unwavering support for Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned and politically marginalized.

He said that continued oppression of us is unacceptable. We stand with everyone who raises their voice in support of the founding leadership of the PTI.

The chief minister also hinted that the KP government would support protest movements across the country in response to the federal budget, which would increase political tensions between the Centre and the PTI-led provincial government.

Gandapur added that “Imran Khan is steadfast, he is fighting for the people of this nation, we will not remain silent.”

The Rs17,573 billion federal budget, which was unveiled on June 10, has already been criticized by opposition parties for its proposed taxes, fuel revenues and spending priorities. CM Gandapur’s rejection adds to the growing discord, especially from PTI-ruled provinces.

With the rise of protests and the pace of opposition mobilization, political instability could increase in the coming weeks, further complicating the federal government’s efforts to steer the country through economic recovery.