KP chief minister says governance reforms, digitization and transparency helped the province exceed its annual revenue target without imposing new taxes, while also criticizing the federal government’s economic policies.
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi said the provincial government has achieved a historic revenue milestone by collecting more than Rs150 billion against a target of Rs129 billion, attributing the success to governance reforms, digitization and improved financial management rather than imposing new taxes.
Addressing the Public Financial Management and Revenue Mobilization Reforms ceremony in Islamabad, the chief minister said the achievement marks the highest revenue collection in the province’s history. He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa generated only Rs62 billion in revenue over its first 74 years, while reforms introduced by the current administration have pushed collections beyond Rs150 billion.
He announced that the provincial government has set a revenue target of Rs180 billion for the current fiscal year and expressed confidence that continued digitization and administrative reforms could increase collections to Rs200 billion.
Afridi said the government is implementing reforms based on the vision of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, focusing on merit, transparency and a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. According to him, structural reforms have reduced opportunities for corruption and significantly improved revenue generation.
The chief minister also said all provincial departments will be fully digitized during the current fiscal year. He highlighted the introduction of a digital file tracking system and the expansion of online public services to improve efficiency and transparency.
Speaking on infrastructure and economic development, Afridi said the provincial government is working on its own electricity transmission network to benefit from affordable power and promote industrial growth. He added that discussions with development partners are underway, describing the project as economically viable.
On environmental issues, Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contains 45% of Pakistan’s forests, with forests covering 27% of the province’s land area. He said the government aims to increase forest coverage to 30% and plans to develop green motorways to address climate change challenges.
During his speech, the chief minister also criticized the federal government’s economic management. He claimed the federal government fell Rs1.3 trillion short of its revenue target and alleged it lacks a comprehensive strategy to increase national income, reduce the trade deficit and create opportunities for young people.
Afridi further stated that Pakistan’s exports remain around $35 billion while imports stand near $70 billion, emphasizing the need for policies to narrow the trade gap. He also warned about rising public debt and increasing brain drain, arguing that stronger economic planning is required.
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