As Balochistan gears up to present a budget that prioritizes the welfare and prosperity of its people, the comprehensive approach outlined by the provincial government sets a promising foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable development. By focusing on strategic investments, social welfare initiatives, and infrastructure development, Balochistan is poised to embark on a transformative journey towards a more prosperous and equitable future for its citizens.
The strategic planning and financial vision of Balochistan’s provincial government are poised to bring about a transformative fiscal year in 2024-25. With a focus on uplifting the lives of its citizens through progressive policies and substantial budget allocations, the upcoming budget is set to exceed Rs850 billion, marking a significant milestone in the province’s development trajectory. The announcement made by Balochistan’s Planning and Development Minister Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani during a joint press conference in Quetta sheds light on the comprehensive nature of the proposed budget. Emphasizing a people-friendly approach, the ministers outlined key initiatives that are aimed at fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Balochistan.
One of the standout features of the proposed budget is the substantial increase in salaries for government employees across different grades. With a 25% raise for grades 1 to 16 and a 20% raise for grades 17 to 22, the provincial government is committed to ensuring fair compensation for its workforce. Additionally, a 15% increase in pensions reflects the government’s commitment to supporting retired personnel. The significant allocation of Rs58 billion from the federal Public Sector Development Programme underscores the collaborative efforts to bolster infrastructure and developmental projects in Balochistan. Minister Buledi’s acknowledgment of the need for streamlining projects and focusing on essential schemes highlights the government’s commitment to efficient resource utilization and targeted development outcomes.
Education emerges as a focal point in the upcoming budget, with initiatives such as a new scholarship program for PhD students in critical disciplines, free education up to grade 16 for martyrs’ children, and increased grants for universities. Furthermore, the allocation of funds to enroll out-of-school children underscores the government’s dedication to promoting education as a means of empowerment and social upliftment. In the realm of healthcare, the budget proposal envisions the establishment of new healthcare facilities, including a hospital in Nasirabad Division and a Satellite Hospital in Quetta. Allocations for addressing critical health issues such as heart diseases, burn units, breast cancer treatment, and health cards reflect a proactive approach towards enhancing healthcare services in the province.
The enhancement of infrastructure through road projects is also a key component of the proposed budget. Investments in key transportation routes such as the Quetta-Karachi highway, Hoshab-Awaran highway, Nokkundi-Mashkel road, and others underscore the government’s commitment to improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the region. Minister Nosherwani’s assertion that the upcoming budget aims to be people-friendly is reinforced by the allocation of a significant portion of the non-developmental budget to education and health sectors. The increase in local council grants further emphasizes the government’s commitment to decentralized governance and grassroots development.
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