Balochistan Assembly approves Rs900B budget for FY 2024-25

Govt is ready for dialogue but will not tolerate ideologies through armed means, says Bugti

ISLAMABAD:

The Balochistan Assembly approved a Rs900 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, including a Rs321 billion allocation for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Despite the presence of opposition members, no cut motions were brought forward during the session, resulting in the approval of all 93 grant demands presented by Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani.

Earlier this month, Nosherwani underscored the government’s commitment to equal distribution of resources among all areas of Balochistan to ensure comprehensive growth and development, dismissing claims of misallocated funds.

“This budget marks a significant step towards prioritizing education, health, and climate change initiatives,” he stated.

In today's approval of these demands, Rs321 billion has been earmarked for development projects, underscoring the government's commitment to infrastructure and growth initiatives.

Read Balochistan education budget may rise 300%

On the non-development side, allocations include Rs92.6 billion for secondary education and Rs84.80 billion for pensions of retired employees.

Other notable allocations are Rs51.33 billion for police and Balochistan Constabulary, Rs37.81 billion for local bodies and urban development, Rs67.26 billion for healthcare, and Rs22.81 billion for higher education institutions.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, addressing the assembly after the budget's passage, reiterated the government's stance on dialogue for resolving conflicts and ensuring peace and security in Balochistan.

The CM emphasized that while the government is open to talks, it will not tolerate the imposition of ideologies through armed means.

“The state and government are ready to talk to everyone, but will not allow any armed group impose its ideology at gunpoint.” stated the CM.