The Balochistan government unveiled its fiscal year 2024-25 budget on Friday, amounting to Rs930 billion, with a Rs25 billion surplus, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
During his budget speech, Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani announced that Rs609 billion is allocated for non-development expenditures, while Rs321 billion is set aside for developmental activities.
Prioritizing education and health, the budget earmarks Rs146.9 billion for education and Rs20 billion for health. Notably, 70% of the approved development projects are included in the budget proposal for the first time in Balochistan’s history.
Highlighting the emphasis on health and education, Noshirwani also mentioned that over Rs23.8 billion is allocated for agriculture sector development, with more than Rs1 billion dedicated to food security.
The budget also includes a 25% salary increase for government employees in Grades 1 to 16, a 22% increase for Grades 17 to 22, and a 15% pension hike. Additionally, projects for livestock, mineral, and mines development are incorporated.
Balochistan’s budget presentation follows the federal and provincial budgets of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the latter presenting its budget in May.
The budget was approved by the Balochistan cabinet earlier in the day, which agreed to incorporate 100% of the approved development projects.
CM Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that development projects for the new fiscal year will commence from the first month. He added that provincial ministers and assembly members will personally oversee the projects in their respective areas. To ensure timely completion, Bugti warned that no further funds will be released to departments that show delays in project implementation.
