PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a substantial increase in the chief minister’s discretionary fund for the upcoming fiscal year, raising serious questions about financial discipline and transparency.
According to official documents, the discretionary fund has been set at Rs500 million (50 crore) for the fiscal year 2025–26 – a tenfold jump from the Rs50 million (5 crore) allocated for the outgoing fiscal year.
The documents reveal excessive spending under the heads of gifts and entertainment, with Rs110 million (11 crore) utilized during the current year. This figure is more than triple the allocated Rs45 million (3.5 crore).
For the upcoming fiscal year, an estimated Rs38.5 million (3.85 crore) has been earmarked for these expenses.
Additionally, the chief minister overspent under secret fund charges, utilizing Rs150 million (15 crore) against an approved allocation of just Rs50 million (5 crore) – an over-expenditure of Rs100 million (10 crore).
The steep rise in discretionary and secret spending is likely to fuel political criticism and public debate, especially amid calls for greater accountability and responsible governance.