Balochistan announces a Rs1,028 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26
Balochistan announces a Rs1,028 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26

The Balochistan government has announced a Rs1,028 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, with significant allocations for health and education sectors. The budget focuses on public welfare, transformational development, and tackling challenges around healthcare, education, and climate change.

Key Allocations in the Budget:

Development and Operations

  • Rs249 billion allocated to development projects.
  • Rs642 billion set aside for non-development expenses, including operational costs, salaries, and essential services.

Salary and Pension Adjustments

  • Salaries for provincial employees (grades 1 to 22) increased by 10%.
  • A 7% hike in pensions and Rs1 billion allocated to the Balochistan Pension Fund.
  • Introduction of a 20% Disparity Reduction Allowance for provincial employees (grades 1 to 16).

Investment in Healthcare

  • Rs16.4 billion allocated for health sector development projects.
  • Rs71 billion set aside for non-development health expenses.
  • Rs4.5 billion approved for the Balochistan Health Card program to enhance medical care accessibility.

Education Focus

  • Rs28 billion allocated to the education department, including Rs19.8 billion for school development.
  • Rs101 billion reserved for non-development costs in the education sector.
  • Colleges to receive Rs24 billion for non-development expenses and Rs5 billion for development projects.
  • Over 1,200 new teaching positions (1,170 contract and 67 permanent) to strengthen the education system.

Agriculture and Food Security

  • Rs10 billion allocated for agriculture development, addressing Balochistan’s rural economy.
  • Rs16.77 billion set for agriculture’s non-development costs.
  • Rs1.19 billion allocated for non-development food expenses to ensure food security.

Environmental and Security Initiatives

  • Rs18 billion approved for Safe City projects across eight cities to boost security infrastructure.
  • Rs500 million earmarked for climate change mitigation initiatives.

This budget reflects a strong commitment to fostering public welfare, improving infrastructure, and addressing critical issues like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.