Dr. Shaista Khan Jadoon Blasts PTI’s KP Governance, Praises Shehbaz Sharif’s Economic Turnaround in Budget Speech News Article:

Islamabad: (Nadeem Tanoli) In a powerful and impassioned speech during the National Assembly’s budget session for 2025–26, Member of the National Assembly Dr. Shaista Khan Jadoon launched a scathing critique of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing it of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement. Simultaneously, she lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and economic reforms, crediting his government for steering Pakistan out of crisis and towards recovery.

Addressing the house, Dr. Jadoon stated, “The injustices faced by the people of KP must be accounted for,” citing severe corruption in the health sector, including billions allegedly embezzled in the name of Sehat Sahulat Cards and fake hospital records. She revealed shocking details, such as the misappropriation of Rs 40 billion in the name of healthcare in Kohistan and fraudulent registration of over 1,000 ghost patients. “One hospital in Upper Dir falsely registered 2,600 diagnostic cases. This is not just negligence, this is theft,” she said.

She also criticized the dilapidated infrastructure in KP, pointing out that many roads turn into rivers during rain, while deforestation continues under the protection of the so-called timber mafia. Dr. Jadoon accused the PTI government of environmental destruction, particularly in glacier-rich regions like Upper Dir where daily snow theft continues unchecked. “Every day something is stolen—be it watches, beds, trees, or medicines. Then we’re asked, ‘Where are the thieves?’ The thieves are right there—where they shouldn’t be,” she declared.

Highlighting health sector decay, she described how the Ayub Teaching Hospital in Abbottabad lost its MRI machine to theft. “They stole an MRI machine like it was a matchbox,” she lamented, calling for greater federal intervention and transparency.

In contrast, Dr. Jadoon praised the current government’s achievements. She applauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s unwavering leadership, noting his efforts to revive the economy and restore global confidence in Pakistan. “Whether it’s economic crisis or national security, Shehbaz Sharif has stood firm for Pakistan,” she said.

She paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and lauded key figures including General Asim Munir, Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, and Ataullah Tarar for their roles in diplomacy, defense, and media advocacy. She also praised Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam for standing with the people of Kashmir during the recent military operation.

Dr. Jadoon highlighted major infrastructure developments under Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, including the expansion of Murree Flyover, Park Road Interchange, Margalla Highway, and the signal-free corridors of Islamabad. She also cited the revival of major motorway projects, including Hazara Motorway’s extension and the under-construction Sukkur-Hyderabad route.

Quoting Pakistan’s Economic Survey 2025, she cited improvements across key indicators: inflation dropped below 30%, interest rates fell to 11%, and the current account recorded a $1.9 billion surplus. Exports rose by 6.8%, foreign reserves increased by $5 billion, and remittances hit $38 billion. “This is not just policy—it’s visible, verifiable progress,” she asserted.

Dr. Jadoon concluded with a call for unity, urging all Pakistanis to stand on one platform against internal and external threats. “We must all come together under one flag to defend this country, from the shores of the Nile to the peaks of Karakoram,” she declared, ending her speech with poetic verses invoking Muslim unity and national pride.