PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minister for information Shafi Jan said on Wednesday that the provincial government’s own-source revenue has reached a record Rs150.84 billion, as for the first time in the province’s history this level has been achieved.
A statement issued here said that the own-source revenue target for the current financial year has been set at Rs182 billion.
Mr Jan said the significant growth in own-source revenue reflected the provincial government’s effective financial management strategy, improved revenue collection and more efficient utilisation of available resources.
He appreciated the performance of the Finance Department, Excise Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority, Information Department and other relevant departments for their commendable contribution to strengthening t h eprovince’s own-source revenue base.
He said the provincial government, in line with the vision of founding chairman Imran Khan, was taking practical measures to enhancerevenuegeneratedthrough indigenous resources. ‘Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, we are firmly committed to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa financially self-reliant,’ he said.
He said that increasing revenue, reducing unnecessary expenditures and strengthening financial discipline remain key priorities of the government.
He emphasised that containing expenditures and increasing ownsource revenue were central pillars of the government’s financial management strategy. Alongside improving revenue performance, the government was also ensuring transparency, accountability and the efficient utilisation of public resources.
Mr Jan said that strengthening own-source revenue was a crucial step towards greater fiscal autonomy and long-term financial sus-tainability. A stronger revenue base would enable the provincial government to create greater fiscal space for development, public welfare and the provision of essential services to citizens.
He said the government’s objective was not simply to increase revenue, but to establish a sustainable, transparent and efficient financial management system.
The information minister congratulated secretary information Matiullah Khan and his team on the Information Department’s outstanding performance in enhancing own-source revenue. He said the department’s improved revenue performance was the result of effective administrative measures, focused management and consistent efforts of the entire Information Department.
Mr Jan reiterated that financial discipline, transparency and optimal utilisation of public resources were among the government’s key priorities. He said concerted efforts were under way to strengthen the province’s resource base.