Balochistan finalises Rs1.2tr tax-free budget

Education set to get record allocation; no new taxes planned

QUETTA:

The Balochistan provincial government has finalised its budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, which will be presented before the provincial assembly on June 17.

Provincial Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani is scheduled to present the budget document and deliver the traditional budget speech during the assembly session.

According to the Finance Department, the upcoming budget will once again be a surplus and tax-free document, with its total volume expected to reach Rs1,200 billion.

Sources in the department said education has been given the topmost priority, with an allocation of more than Rs150 billion, the largest education budget in the province's history. The substantial funding aims to improve the quality of schools, colleges, and universities across Balochistan and launch new educational projects.

The budget will also include salary increases for government employees in line with the federal government's approach. Officials said appropriate relief will be provided in salaries, allowances, and pensions to help ease the burden of inflation on provincial employees.

Development programmes, particularly in health, water supply, roads, and infrastructure, will also receive significant attention. In line with its policy of maintaining a surplus budget, the government has decided against introducing any new taxes or additional exemptions.

Senior officials of the Finance Department confirmed that the budget document has been finalised. During his speech on June 17, Minister Nosherwani is expected to present a comprehensive review of the province's development programmes, last year's achievements, and targets for the coming year.

The people of Balochistan, particularly students, government employees, and ordinary citizens, are awaiting the budget announcement with great anticipation.

Experts believe that the heavy investment in education under the Rs1,200 billion package will play a crucial role in strengthening the province's human resources and long-term development.