Balochistan to present Rs1tr budget for FY 2025-26 today

QUETTA: Balochistan is set to present its budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 today, with total expenditures anticipated to surpass Rs1 trillion.

Similar to the current fiscal year, the upcoming budget is projected to be a surplus.

Under the current arrangements of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Balochistan is expected to receive Rs743 billion from federal revenues. These funds will be distributed across two main categories: the divisible pool taxes and direct transfers derived from natural resources, including natural gas.

Sources within the government indicate that federal transfers to Balochistan are likely to increase by approximately Rs70 billion compared to the current year. Additionally, the province is projected to generate over Rs150 billion from provincial taxes and non-tax sources.

The non-development expenditure for the 2025-26 fiscal year is expected to exceed Rs700 billion, while development allocations from Balochistan’s own resources are estimated at over Rs240 billion.

The priority sectors for investment include education, law and order, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

In particular, the education sector may see an allocation of more than Rs160 billion, with Rs100 billion earmarked for law enforcement and Rs80 billion for health services.

The budget also aims to address ongoing demands by provincial government employees for salary hikes and improved benefits, with provisions likely to be clarified regarding salary, pensions, taxation, and employee incentives.