The Balochistan Assembly passed a Rs900 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024–25. The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) was given Rs321 billion as part of the budget.
Even though there were members of the opposition present, no cut moves were made during the session. As a result, all 93 grant requests made by Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani were approved.
Earlier this month, Nosherwani stressed that the government was committed to making sure that all parts of Balochistan got the same amount of resources to ensure growth and development. He also denied reports that funds had been misappropriated.
“This budget is a big step toward putting education, health, and climate change programs at the top of the list,” he said.
With today’s approval of these demands, Rs321 billion has been set aside for development projects. This shows that the government is serious about supporting infrastructure and growth efforts.
On the non-development side, Rs92.6 billion is set aside for secondary education and Rs84.80 billion is set aside for salaries of retired workers.
Aside from these, Rs51.33 billion was given to the police and the Balochistan Constabulary, Rs37.81 billion to local governments and urban development, Rs67.26 billion to healthcare, and Rs22.81 billion to higher education institutions.
In his speech to the assembly after the budget was passed, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the government’s support for discussion as a way to settle disagreements and keep Balochistan safe and secure.
The CM made it clear that the government is willing to talk, but it will not stand for ideas to be forced on people through violence.
“The state and government are ready to talk to anyone, but they won’t let any armed group force their beliefs on people.” The CM said.
