Published on: August 27, 2025 5:40 AM
Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary leader Ahmed Kundi strongly criticized KP Govt move to outsource 1500 schools during ongoing session in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly with Deputy Speaker Sorriya Bibi in chair here Tuesday.
PPP MPA Ahmad Kundi submitted a call-attention notice against the provincial government’s decision to outsource 1,500 schools. He criticized the move as a betrayal of the “education emergency” slogan, saying it raised serious concerns about the future of students, parents, and teachers.
He argued that education is the state’s responsibility, and outsourcing is an admission of failure. It undermines students’ right to education and creates uncertainty for teachers. He demanded transparency and legal clarity on what basis this decision was made and insisted that the government must explain its motives in the Assembly.
In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, PML-N’s female member Saobia Shahid apologized for her earlier statement about the alleged illegal use of official vehicles by the Excise Department. In the Tuesday session chaired by Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, she clarified that her question a day earlier was related to Excise. On the insistence of Akbar Ayub, she mentioned the names of officials allegedly using government vehicles after retirement – mistakenly.
She admitted the mistake was based on misinformation and apologized. The Assembly was informed that the federal government owes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs. 74,287 million in net hydel profit. Over the last five years, the province received Rs. 76,578 million, and for FY 2024-25, the Finance Department estimated Rs. 111,303 million of which only Rs. 28,500 million has been received so far. A question by PPP member Ahmad Kundi was referred to the relevant standing committee.
ANP MPA Arbab Usman raised a call-attention notice, demanding the removal of tyre blasters and speed breakers, especially in Peshawar, citing safety hazards. Local Government Minister Arshad Ayub assured the House that the blasters under his department’s jurisdiction would be removed.
MPA Taj Muhammad Turand raised serious concerns about the alleged state of lawlessness in Sindh’s Kacha area, where criminals kidnap people from other regions and demand heavy ransoms. A man named Jamil from his constituency was allegedly kidnapped under the pretext of a job offer, and a large ransom is now being demanded.
Fazal Shakoor responded that letters have been sent to the Sindh and federal governments regarding Jamil’s recovery and stressed that action must be taken in the Kacha area where outlaws have created a “state within a state.”
The provincial government clarified that the merged districts (former FATA) were not allocated a specific share in the NFC (National Finance Commission) because at that time they were not part of the province. However, the 2016 FATA Reforms Committee recommended that 3% of the federal divisible pool be allocated annually for these districts. Under the 25th Constitutional Amendment, a 10-year development plan was approved for the merged districts, promising Rs. 100 billion annually to KP, but full payments have not been made. PPP leader Ahmad Kundi raised concerns about whether 3% is actually being allocated. His question was referred to the standing committee.
A question by JUI member Adnan Khan regarding the Bank of Khyber was also referred to the committee. Opposition members united on the low revenue of government rest houses, booking issues for MPAs, and the non-inclusion of FATA House under KP government control. During question hour, Adnan Khan (JUI) asked about rest house revenues, and it was revealed:
Governor’s House Peshawar (Shahi Mehmankhana).Rs. 284,000 in Jan, Rs. 124,000 in February, KP House Islamabad: Rs. 1.83 million in Jan, Rs. 1.5 million in February, KP House Abbottabad.Rs. 7,000 in January and Rs. 1,800 in February.
MPA Rehana Ismail raised concerns that members were being denied bookings due to VIP visits, questioning if such VIPs are “on-title” and whether they pay.
Parliamentary Secretary Asif Khan appeared uninformed, drawing criticism from Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah, who said the Assembly resembled a poorly run school. The matter was referred to a standing committee.
The Assembly passed two bills on Tuesday namely KP Prosecution Service (Structure, Functions, and Powers) Amendment Bill 2025 and KP Government Servants Housing Foundation Bill 2025.
Both were presented by Provincial Minister Fazal Shakoor and included amendments from the opposition. The House approved both bills.
The Assembly termed the centre aid for flood-affected Buner district as insufficient. MPA Abdul Kabir Khan stated that 236 people were martyred, 128 injured, 1,500 houses completely destroyed, and public infrastructure severely damaged. He thanked the provincial government and Chief Minister for their swift response but called the federal aid “like salt in flour.”
Other members raised concerns about terrorism’s impact on the economy, state of law and order, and road blockades in Parachinar. MPA Aftab Makhdumzada stated that both sides (government and opposition) were engaging only in criticism and that PTI had turned the province into a battlefield. Due to lack of quorum, the session was adjourned.
