Under the leadership of Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the provincial cabinet has approved the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The total budget volume has been set at Rs. 1020 billion, with over Rs. 639 billion allocated for the development budget (PSDP). Rs. 66.5 billion has been earmarked for federally-assisted projects, Rs. 30 billion for FPA schemes, and Rs. 34 billion for foreign-funded projects. Additionally, Rs. 43 billion has been allocated for operating expenses.
Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani is set to present the budget in the Balochistan Assembly. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti highlighted that 98% of the previous year’s development budget was utilized, crediting its success to the Finance Minister, Planning Department, and other relevant departments.
The Chief Minister praised the successful initiation of the Skills Development program, acknowledging the efforts of the Labor Advisor and their team. He shared that a second batch of 2,300 youth will soon undergo training. Regarding the transfer of agricultural tube wells to solar energy, he expressed optimism about receiving funds from the federal government soon. Transparency in Rs. 60 billion mega projects was emphasized, with funds being directly disbursed to landowners.
In the education sector, significant progress has been made, including resolving SBK issues and reopening 3,200 closed schools. In healthcare, 150 basic health units will be connected through telemedicine, marking a revolutionary step. The Chief Minister appreciated the bureaucracy, particularly the Chief Secretary, for progress on pension reforms.
For the first time, the prosecution department has been given serious attention in the budget. Rescue 1122 services will be ensured in every district. Strategic and livelihood projects have been given priority, alongside key sectors such as irrigation, communication, education, health, law and order, and climate change. The cabinet commended the coalition government and bureaucracy for achieving 98% of the development budget execution.
