PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has introduced a new schedule of traffic fines in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. The revised penalties focus on improving road safety, especially for three-wheeler vehicles and underage drivers.
According to the Finance Bill, rickshaws, Qingqi, and loader vehicles are now officially categorized as three-wheelers. Traffic violations by these vehicles will result in fines ranging from Rs200 to Rs10,000.
Under the proposed rules, a first-time violation of a route permit will carry a fine of Rs5,000, while a second violation will result in double the penalty.
Strict action is also proposed against fake driving licenses. Those caught driving with fake licenses will be fined between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000.
Tougher penalties are suggested for underage drivers. As per the bill, motorcycle riders under 18 years may face fines between Rs1,000 and Rs3,000. Those driving cars without being of legal age may be fined up to Rs5,000.
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Officials say these fines aim to improve traffic discipline and reduce road accidents. Once approved, these measures will be implemented across the province.
In other news, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has presented a budget of Rs. 2.119 trillion for the fiscal year 2025-26. The budget proposes allocating Rs. 547 billion for annual development programs, along with a 10% increase in government employee salaries, a 7% increase in pensions, and a minimum wage raise from Rs. 36,000 to Rs. 40,000.
Provincial Finance Minister Atif Alam presented the budget, which also recommends a 15% to 20% increase in Deputy Allowances for employees not receiving Executive Allowances.
According to the Provincial Finance Minister, the new fiscal year’s budget poses a challenge of Rs. 267 billion under IMF arrangements.
The federal government is responsible for Rs. 71 billion in net electricity benefits and Rs. 58 billion in oil and gas benefits. It was stated that the estimate for revenue from produce is Rs. 129 billion, and a proposal has been included in the budget to reduce the stamp duty on the transfer of residential and commercial properties from 2% to 1%.
A proposal has been included in the budget to abolish professional tax for those earning Rs. 36,000 per month. A reduction in tax on 4.9 Marla residential commercial properties has been made, including a recommendation to reduce hotel bed tax from 10% to 7%. A proposal has been included to eliminate registration fees for electric vehicles, token tax exemptions.
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The budget estimates total annual expenditure at Rs. 1.962 trillion, with a budget surplus of Rs. 157 billion. An estimate of Rs. 177 billion has been made for external assistance grants for the province, and Rs. 1,415 billion has been allocated in the budget for salaries and other expenses.
A proposal has been made in the budget to equate the salaries of inspectors with constables in the Punjab Police, while the martyr package for constables, ASIs, and inspectors has been increased from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.1 crore.
Similarly, a proposal to increase the package for DSPs and ASPs from Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 1.6 crore and the package for SPs, SSPs, and DIGs from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 2.1 crore has been made. Relatives of the martyrs will also be given 5, 7, 10, and 1 canal plots.
Earlier, presenting the budget, Provincial Finance Minister Atif Alam said that when the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa voted for PTI in the historic elections on February 8, the province faced severe financial crises, budget deficits, and economic instability issues.
