QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Tuesday presented a surplus budget of Rs1.028 trillion for the fiscal year 2025–26, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, education, healthcare, law and order, and rural development.
Presenting the budget in the provincial assembly, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the government, under Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti’s leadership, is prioritizing public welfare through transparency, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive development.
“We’ve taken concrete steps to uplift living standards across the province. The government is committed to delivering real change, not just promises,” Nosherwani said.
Budget Overview
- Total Outlay: Rs1,028 billion
- Surplus: Rs42 billion
- Development Budget (PSDP): Rs249.5 billion
- Non-Development Budget: Rs642 billion
- Provincial Revenue Target: Rs226 billion
Sector-Wise Allocations
Health
- Total Allocation: Rs87.4 billion
- Rs16.4 billion (development)
- Rs71 billion (non-development)
- Health remains a core priority with increased investments in service delivery.
Education
- School Education: Rs120 billion
- Rs28 billion (primary education)
- Rs19.8 billion (development)
- Rs101 billion (non-development)
- Higher Education & Colleges: Rs29 billion
- Rs8 billion for universities
- Rs3 billion by the HEC
- Rs500 million for college transport
- Recruitments:
- 1,170 contract positions and 67 regular posts
- Textbook Initiative: Rs1 billion saved through efficient free textbook distribution
Law & Order
- Total Allocation: Rs86.7 billion
- Rs83.7 billion (non-development)
- Rs3 billion (development)
- Police & Constabulary: Rs51.33 billion
- Under the austerity plan, new vehicles will only be purchased for law enforcement agencies.
Infrastructure and Public Services
- Communication & Works: Over Rs84 billion
- Rs66.8 billion (development)
- Rs17.48 billion (non-development)
- Local Government & Rural Development: Rs54.9 billion (combined)
- Drinking Water Projects: Rs28 billion
- Irrigation: Over Rs47 billion
- Transport: Over Rs1 billion
- Safe City Project: Rs18 billion for 8 cities
- People’s Train Service (Quetta): Launch planned in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, including upgrades to five stations
Agriculture, Energy & Climate
- Agriculture: Rs26.9 billion (development), over Rs1 billion (non-development)
- Solar Tube Wells: Rs52 billion project in progress
- Energy Department: Over Rs8 billion
- Climate Change: Rs500 million allocated
Other Departmental Allocations
- Board of Revenue: Rs10 billion
- Mines & Minerals: Rs3.62 billion
- Fisheries: Rs6 billion
- IT Department: Rs15 billion
- Social Welfare: Rs5.94 billion
- Women Development: Rs714 million
- Labour: Rs3.66 billion
- Tourism, Culture & Archaeology: Rs1.45 billion
- Sports & Youth Affairs: Rs3.94 billion
- Forests & Wildlife: Rs4.32 billion
- Excise & Anti-Narcotics: Rs2.8 billion
- Population Welfare: Rs2.46 billion
- Livestock: Rs1.26 billion
- Industries: Over Rs10.29 billion
Governance & Reforms
- Posts Rationalized: 6,000 redundant positions eliminated to reduce overhead
- New Jobs: 4,188 temporary and 1,958 regular posts created
- Vehicle Ban: No new government vehicles will be purchased, except for law enforcement
- PSDP Utilization: 100% of development funds used in the current year, with tangible progress noted
Finance Minister Nosherwani reiterated the government’s commitment to reform, responsible spending, and equitable development. “Allah has blessed Balochistan with vast natural resources. It’s our duty to manage them wisely to uplift our people,” he concluded.
The 2025–26 budget reflects Balochistan’s ongoing push toward sustainable development, institutional reform, and prioritizing sectors that directly impact the lives of its citizens.
