Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has challenged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to a debate on governance performance, asserting that despite not being part of the PDM government, he has increased revenue by 55 per cent, while Punjab lags at just 12 per cent.

Speaking on provincial governance, Gandapur emphasised that, unlike Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has successfully improved its financial standing.

“The prime minister is not my uncle, nor am I part of the PDM government, yet I have increased revenue by 55%, whereas Punjab is stuck at 12% and still operating at a loss,” he stated.

Free laptops and health insurance

Gandapur announced a free laptop scheme for KP students, ensuring they receive the same percentage of laptops as Punjab students under a similar initiative.

He also urged Punjab to adopt KP’s healthcare model by providing free health cards to its citizens.

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“We have given Health Card Plus to our entire population and are now introducing life insurance. Punjab should extend similar benefits to its people,” he remarked. Economic performance

The KP chief minister highlighted his government’s achievements in boosting provincial income despite financial challenges.

“We have increased our revenue by 55%, while Punjab should also strive to raise its income from 12% to 55%,” he said, adding that KP holds a surplus of Rs176 billion, making it the only province to meet IMF targets.

Criticising Punjab’s financial management, he noted, “IMF set a target of Rs300 billion in surplus for Punjab, yet the province ended up with a Rs146 billion deficit.”

Social welfare initiatives

Gandapur also mentioned KP’s ongoing welfare programs, including financial aid for the weddings of 4,000 underprivileged girls, each receiving Rs200,000.

He challenged Punjab’s administration to match KP’s performance, stating, “Punjab’s governance is not even 1% of ours. I am ready for a debate on this anytime.”