Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced a novel approach to budget planning for the fiscal year 2026-27 by seeking direct input from the public. This initiative aims to involve citizens across the province in identifying critical issues that need government attention, ensuring that the upcoming budget addresses the most pressing local concerns.
During a provincial cabinet meeting conducted via video conference on Friday, Afridi highlighted that this move comes at a time when cooperation between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership—both in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nationwide—remains limited. In light of these challenges, the provincial government is taking proactive steps to engage directly with its citizens.
To facilitate this public consultation, district deputy commissioners will share a dedicated link through their official Facebook pages, enabling residents to submit their concerns and suggestions related to their respective districts. This digital platform will be accessible from May 4 until May 8, providing a five-day window for widespread participation.
Chief Minister Afridi expressed optimism that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will actively contribute to this process. He emphasized that such engagement will empower the government to better understand and prioritize developmental needs, ultimately leading to more effective and responsive budget allocations. This initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive governance amid ongoing political complexities.
