The Balochistan Assembly has approved a Rs1.089 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The budget includes both development and non-development expenditures.
Lawmakers approved 98 demands for grants presented by Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani. As a result, the province’s fiscal framework for the next financial year has now been finalized.
The assembly endorsed development allocations worth Rs291 billion. Meanwhile, non-development expenditures totaling Rs797.88 billion also received approval.
Notably, the budget passed within about one hour. Furthermore, opposition members did not submit any cut motions against the proposed allocations.
Budget Projects Rs45.66 Billion Surplus
The provincial government had unveiled the budget on June 17.
According to budget documents, total expenditures stand at Rs1,089.26 billion. At the same time, total revenues are estimated at Rs1,134.92 billion.
As a result, the province expects a surplus of Rs45.66 billion.
Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the budget reflects fiscal discipline and a commitment to development.
The province expects to receive Rs800.13 billion through federal transfers. Additionally, provincial resources are projected to generate Rs170.09 billion.
Foreign-funded projects are expected to contribute Rs65.34 billion. Likewise, project financing and capital receipts are estimated at Rs68.75 billion.
The government also expects Rs30.61 billion through cash carry-forward balances.
Development Spending Remains a Major Priority
Development spending continues to receive significant attention in the new budget.
The Provincial Public Sector Development Programme has been allocated Rs206.61 billion.
Overall development spending stands at Rs291.55 billion. This amount includes federal and foreign-funded projects.
Meanwhile, current expenditures have been set at Rs797.82 billion.
The government has allocated Rs40.38 billion for foreign-funded projects. In addition, federal development projects will receive Rs44.56 billion.
Officials say these allocations aim to strengthen infrastructure and improve public services across the province.
Salaries and Pensions Increased by Seven Percent
Government employees will receive financial relief under the new budget.
The provincial government has announced a seven percent increase in salaries and pensions. The increase follows the federal government’s pattern.
Nosherwani said the decision reflects the government’s support for public servants despite fiscal pressures.
No New Taxes Introduced
One of the key features of the budget is the absence of new taxes.
Instead, the government announced several incentives to encourage investment and economic activity.
Capital value tax and stamp duty on property transfers have been reduced from two percent to one percent.
Similarly, sales tax on educational services has been reduced to zero percent.
Taxes on new electric vehicles have also been waived.
Furthermore, sales tax on public transport and public property insurance has been abolished.
The government has also waived provincial taxes on foreign investment in export processing zones.
Education Receives Major Funding
Education remains among the largest beneficiaries of the new budget.
The government has allocated Rs127 billion for school education. Meanwhile, higher and technical education will receive Rs31 billion.
Overall spending on education has reached Rs157.28 billion.
To support deserving students, Rs2.82 billion has been allocated for the Balochistan Education Support Fund.
Additionally, Rs54 million has been earmarked for the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Programme.
Officials say these measures aim to improve access to education and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Health Sector Gets Rs96 Billion Allocation
The health sector has also received substantial funding.
The government allocated Rs96 billion for healthcare services.
This amount includes Rs6 billion for development projects and Rs90 billion for operational expenditures.
Moreover, Rs1.5 billion has been added to the Balochistan Health Card Programme.
The government aims to strengthen hospitals, expand medical facilities, and improve healthcare services across the province.
Focus on Security and Law Enforcement
Law and order remains a key priority for the provincial government.
The budget allocates Rs243 million for development projects in the security sector.
Additionally, Rs1.2 billion has been earmarked for operational expenditures.
Overall spending on law and order has been estimated at Rs107.92 billion.
Officials believe these allocations will support public safety and strengthen security infrastructure.
Agriculture, Water, and Infrastructure Receive Significant Support
Agriculture continues to play an important role in the province’s development strategy.
The sector has received a total allocation of Rs23.6 billion.
Meanwhile, the livestock sector will receive Rs9 billion in combined development and operational spending.
The Irrigation Department has been allocated Rs18.59 billion. Likewise, the drinking water sector will receive Rs20 billion.
Infrastructure projects also remain a major focus.
The Communications and Works Department will receive Rs47 billion.
Similarly, the Transport Department has been allocated Rs2.79 billion.
The energy sector will receive Rs9.9 billion, while the mining sector has been allocated more than Rs6 billion.
New Jobs and Welfare Initiatives Announced
The government has announced the creation of 5,000 new positions in various departments.
In addition, women entrepreneurs will have access to interest-free loans.
The budget also allocates Rs1 billion under the Chief Minister’s microfinance scheme.
Furthermore, Rs1.3 billion has been earmarked for the People’s Endowment Fund.
The Social Welfare Department will receive funding for both development and operational programmes.
Officials say these initiatives will support employment generation and poverty reduction efforts.
Sports and Tourism Also Receive Funding
The government has allocated resources to sports, youth development, tourism, and culture.
The Sports and Youth Affairs Department will receive more than Rs3 billion in combined spending.
Meanwhile, the Culture and Tourism Department has secured funding for both development and operational activities.
Overall spending on sports and recreational activities has been estimated at Rs8.54 billion.
The government hopes these investments will encourage youth participation and promote tourism across Balochistan.
Province Targets Growth Without Additional Tax Burden
The approved budget highlights the government’s focus on fiscal stability and development.
With a projected surplus, increased social spending, and tax relief measures, officials believe the province can maintain economic momentum.
At the same time, investments in education, health, infrastructure, and welfare remain central to the government’s strategy for the coming fiscal year.
