Ministers stresses it is not feasible to provide government jobs to everyone, which is why private sector is being prioritized
QUETTA: Balochistan’s provincial ministers Mir Zahoor Buledi, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, and government spokesperson Shahid Rind have emphasized that the province is shifting its development focus from cement and steel to human capital.
Speaking at a post-budget press briefing at Sikandar Jamali Auditorium on Wednesday, the ministers highlighted that the government’s successful utilization of 100 percent of the current fiscal year’s development budget reflects the positive policies of the chief minister and the administration. They acknowledged that both the government and the opposition must work together and cannot function in isolation. They noted that the opposition would raise its concerns during budget sessions. The ministers also stressed that it is not feasible to provide government jobs to everyone, which is why the private sector is being prioritized. Additional Chief Secretary for Planning and Development Hafiz Abdul Basit and Balochistan Finance Secretary Imran Zarkoon were also present at the briefing.
Balochistan government has presented a budget of Rs 1028 billion, a historic surplus of Rs 51 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26, with a focus on development and welfare projects.
Mir Zahoor Buledi, spokesperson of Balochistan government Shahid Rind and Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, said the total income for the upcoming year had been estimated at Rs 1028 billion and total expenses would be 976.5 billion, hence the budget presented with a surplus of Rs 51.5 billion
He said the revenues would include 801 billion federal transfers, Rs101 billion provincial receipts, Rs 37.8 billion Foreign Fund Projects Assistance (FPA), Rs 24 billion Sui Gas Lease Extension Bonus, Rs 38 billion Sate Trading, and Rs 26 billion Cash Carry Forward.
Nosherwani said the total estimated expenditure for the next financial year 2025-26 is Rs 976.5 billion, in which the total volume of the current expenditure is Rs 640 billion and the volume of development budget 249.5 billion.
He said that the government has minimized the non-development expenditures and enhance the PSDP for fiscal year 2025-26. Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said that the incumbent government has utilized around 98 percent development funds.
In the upcoming fiscal year, Rs80 billion will be directly allocated to district and union council levels to ensure that development reaches the grassroots. Provincial Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Buledi said the budget has been carefully balanced to address all sectors.
Finance Secretary Imran Zarkoon announced that the feasibility study for the Bank of Balochistan has been completed and a final decision will be made in the next fiscal year. He also revealed that artificial intelligence will be incorporated into the PSDP starting July 1. The government spokesperson Shahid Rind detailed key allocations in the upcoming budget, including Rs4 billion for improving command areas, Rs6 billion for fruit, vegetable, grain, livestock markets, and bus terminals, and Rs6billion for a satellite-based land settlement system. Additionally, Rs500million has been allocated for a feasibility study on gas supply to the fertilizer sector, Rs5billion for a solar grid in Chagai, Rs.1billion for routine immunization, Rs2billion for building police stations and check posts, Rs16billion for the enterprise development programme, and Rs500million for the Fertilizer City project.
Further allocations include Rs400million for the Nokundi Industrial Estate, Rs450million for meat packing plants in Chagai, Gwadar, Turbat, and Chaman, Rs2billion for the Peace and Social Harmony programme, Rs25billion for the Mashkail Dam in Washuk, Rs4billion for prefabricated houses, Rs3billion for the People’s Train Service, Rs6 billion for constructing two classrooms in 3,000 schools, and Rs200 million for a housing estate in Nokundi.
Shahid Rind also outlined revenue targets for the next fiscal year, which include Rs48billion from the Balochistan Revenue Authority, Rs6billion from the Balochistan Board of Revenue, Rs3.3billion from the Excise and Taxation Department, Rs24.6billion from the Energy Department, and Rs14billion from the Minerals and Mining Department. He added that Rs14billion in savings were achieved this year through rightsizing and rationalization.
Addressing another question, Rind clarified that the budget of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat was increased by Rs300million based on need, emphasizing that this is not a significant financial burden. He noted that the Chief Minister and other ministers have made efforts to reduce expenses wherever possible.
Provincial Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Buledi explained that the government aims to reduce non-development expenditures in favor of boosting development allocations. He emphasized that the provincial government has proven its capability by fully utilizing the development budget this year, demonstrating that real progress is not just about constructing buildings but about investing in human development. He noted that during the current fiscal year, the government recruited 9,000 teachers and activated thousands of schools. For the next fiscal year, Rs42 billion has been earmarked for local government to ensure that the benefits of development reach the lowest administrative levels.
In response to a question, Buledi said the government has created opportunities for the private sector within the Public Sector Development programme (PSDP) to provide jobs, as it is no longer possible to offer everyone government employment. He also mentioned that the feasibility of establishing a provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC) is under review, although the Universities Finance Commission is already fulfilling key HEC functions. Buledi stressed that development is not possible without peace, and the provincial government has legislated to combat terrorism.