Provincial Budgets and the Myth of Injustice; A Call for Real Accountability.

Provincial Budgets and the Myth of Injustice; A Call for Real Accountability.

In Pakistan’s ongoing political and social discourse, a dangerous narrative has emerged — one that blames Punjab for the economic shortcomings of other provinces, particularly Sindh. Yet, when we examine the numbers objectively, a very different picture comes to light.

Let’s start with the facts:

• Punjab — Population: 113 million, Budget: Rs. 5,335 billion

→ Per capita allocation: approximately Rs. 47,200

• Sindh — Population: 52 million, Budget: Rs. 3,451 billion

→ Per capita allocation: approximately Rs. 66,300

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) — Population: 40 million, Budget: Rs. 1,754 billion

→ Per capita allocation: approximately Rs. 43,800

• Balochistan — Population: 15 million, Budget: Rs. 930 billion

→ Per capita allocation: approximately Rs. 62,000

At first glance, the data reveals that Sindh and Balochistan receive more per person than Punjab and KPK. Yet, paradoxically, Punjab remains the most developed province in terms of infrastructure, industry, education, and health outcomes. This clearly demonstrates that the issue is not the amount of money received, but how it is managed.

The Real Problem: Mismanagement, Not Discrimination

For decades, Sindh and Balochistan have been ruled by the same political forces that claim victimhood in every federal debate. Instead of investing public funds into education, healthcare, or industrial expansion, vast sums are lost in non-developmental expenditures and corruption. Meanwhile, Punjab, despite its larger population, has achieved visible progress through relatively better governance and project implementation.

Similarly, KPK has shown significant improvement in education and local governance over the past decade due to stronger administrative oversight and reforms. However, KPK still struggles with industrial growth and employment diversification — challenges that require visionary economic planning rather than emotional blame games.

The Dangerous Game of Provincial Politics

The continuous propagation of the idea that “Punjab is eating our share” is not just misleading — it is divisive. It weakens national unity and distracts from the real issues: corruption, inefficiency, and the absence of accountability within provincial governments.

Instead of criticizing Punjab for its development, other provinces should study and adapt its successful governance and development models, while pushing for transparent use of their own budgets. Pakistan’s progress depends on healthy competition, not regional antagonism.

The Way Forward: Unity, Accountability, and Reform

• Transparency: Each province must publish detailed, verifiable data on how funds are allocated and utilized.

• Performance-based funding: Federal transfers should be linked to measurable developmental outcomes.

• Education and civic awareness: Citizens must be informed enough to hold their local governments accountable, rather than falling for propaganda.

• National vision: Pakistan’s growth will only come through cooperation — not through provincial blame games.

It’s time we shift from politics of complaint to politics of competence.

The success of one province should inspire the rest, not divide the nation.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.”

Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.