In a groundbreaking move aimed at fiscal prudence, the Balochistan government unveiled a surplus budget of Rs955 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a significant departure from the norm of deficit budgets in the region.
Presenting the budget, Balochistan Finance Minister Shoaib Nausherwani highlighted the government’s commitment to financial stability and sustainable growth. Estimated expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year stand at Rs930 billion, demonstrating careful planning and allocation of resources.
Key highlights of the budget include a substantial allocation of Rs564 billion towards non-development expenditures, underscoring the government’s focus on operational efficiency. The development budget has been set at over Rs219 billion, with priority given to critical sectors such as education, health, and law and order.
In a move aimed at bolstering public sector morale, the budget proposes a 25% increase in salaries for government employees and a 15% rise in pensions. This gesture is expected to enhance welfare and incentivize public service delivery.
Education emerges as a top priority with Rs9.146 billion allocated to the sector, reflecting a total budgetary share exceeding 12%. The allocation includes provisions for creating 535 new positions and addressing financial challenges in eleven provincial universities, with Rs4.8 billion earmarked for this purpose.
The health sector also receives significant attention, with Rs67 billion allocated and plans to create 242 new positions. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services across Balochistan.
Minister Nausherwani concluded by expressing confidence in the budget’s ability to stimulate economic growth, improve social outcomes, and ensure fiscal responsibility. The surplus budget announcement has been met with optimism, with stakeholders anticipating positive impacts on development and public welfare in the province.
