Balochistan Government Unveils Rs. 1028 Billion Budget for FY 2025-26
Focus on Infrastructure, Employee Welfare, Law and Order, and Rural Development
QUETTA: The Government of Balochistan has presented its provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs. 1028 billion. The budget was announced in the Balochistan Assembly by Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, under the chairmanship of Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. This year’s budget carries a surplus of Rs. 36.5 billion and places a strong emphasis on development, institutional reforms, and inclusive growth.
Key Financial Allocations at a Glance
Total Budget: Rs. 1028 billion
Surplus Budget: Rs. 36.5 billion
Total Expenditures: Rs. 991.5 billion
Non-Development Expenditures: Rs. 642 billion
Annual Development Program (ADP): Rs. 245 billion
Foreign-Funded Projects: Rs. 38 billion
Sui Gas Lease Extension Bonus: Rs. 24 billion
Capital Receipts: Rs. 38 billion
Finance Minister Nosherwani emphasized that the budget is the result of extensive consultations with political stakeholders and is designed to ensure equitable progress across urban and rural areas.
Salaries and Pensions Increased
One of the most awaited announcements was the increase in public sector wages and pensions.
Salaries of government employees have been increased by 10%
Pensions for retired employees have been enhanced by 7%
The minister stated that the decision was aimed at providing relief amid rising inflation and economic pressures. He also noted that the government’s welfare policies are now showing results on the ground.
Top Priority: Infrastructure and Communication
The Department of Communications and Works (C&W) has been declared the highest priority within the development budget:
Rs. 55.21 billion has been earmarked for development in this department
Rs. 17.48 billion has been set aside for non-development expenditures
This signals the government’s resolve to improve roads, highways, and public infrastructure in all parts of the province.
Irrigation Sector – Addressing Water Challenges
Water scarcity being a chronic issue in Balochistan, the Irrigation Department has received significant support:
Rs. 42.78 billion allocated to expand and modernize irrigation systems across the province
Education Sector Receives Massive Boost
Balochistan has allocated strong funding to uplift both school and higher education:
School Education (Development): Rs. 19.85 billion
Higher Education (Development): Rs. 4.99 billion
Colleges (Non-development): Rs. 24 billion
Colleges (Development): Rs. 5 billion
The government is aiming to build more schools and upgrade college infrastructure to raise educational standards in the province.
Healthcare Development Projects
The Health Sector has also received generous funding to improve medical facilities and expand outreach:
Rs. 16.15 billion has been earmarked for developmental health projects, including the construction of new hospitals and upgrading equipment in existing ones.
Science & Technology and Public Health Engineering
Science & IT Sector: Rs. 12.66 billion allocated for digital infrastructure and innovation
Public Health Engineering: Rs. 17.16 billion allotted to ensure clean drinking water and sanitation services
Empowering Local Government and Agriculture
Local Government Development Budget: Rs. 12.91 billion
Non-Development for Local Bodies: Rs. 42 billion
Agriculture (Development): Rs. 10.17 billion
Agriculture (Non-development): Rs. 16.77 billion
These funds will support local governance, rural development, and modern farming techniques.
Energy, Mining, and Women Development
Energy Projects: Rs. 7.84 billion to boost energy access in remote areas
Mining Sector: Rs. 567.6 million for resource exploration and safety upgrades
Women Development: Rs. 154 million for women-focused economic and social programs
Safe City Projects and Job Reforms
Rs. 18 billion allocated for Safe City Projects in 8 urban centers to enhance surveillance and public safety
6,000 unnecessary posts abolished to optimize government workforce
4,188 temporary and 1,958 regular new jobs to be created
Budgeting for Climate Change
To address growing climate-related threats, the government has set aside:
Rs. 500 million for climate change mitigation and resilience planning
Law and Order Allocation
Security remains a top concern in Balochistan:
Development Expenditure: Rs. 3 billion
Non-Development Security Budget: Rs. 83.7 billion
These allocations will support police modernization, equipment procurement, and counter-terrorism operations.
Savings Through Budget Discipline
As part of the province’s austerity drive:
No new government vehicles will be purchased, except for law enforcement agencies
Focus on fiscal discipline and efficiency in every department
Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani termed the budget “balanced and people-centric.” He reiterated that the provincial government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of growth and governance reforms reach every citizen, especially those in backward and rural regions.