Overview of Balochistan Budget 2025-26.

Overview of Balochistan Budget 2025–26

• Total outlay: A record Rs 1,028 billion (~Rs 1.03 trillion) – the largest in provincial history.

• Development vs. non-development: Development expenditure ~Rs 249–250 billion; non-development ~Rs 642 billion, including salaries, pensions, and administrative costs.

• Surplus: Initially projected at Rs 36.5 billion, later revised to Rs 51.5 billion, reflecting prudent austerity and spending discipline .

Major focus areas:

• Law & order: Rs 86.7 billion for counter‑terrorism and policing measures, including Rs 18 billion for Safe City programs.

• Education & health: Boosts in both sectors (e.g., Rs 28 billion for education, Rs 16.4 billion for health development) and provision of additional staff .

• Salaries & pensions: 10 % salary hike for government employees; 7 % pension increase along with disparity reduction allowances.

• Local governance: Direct allocation of about Rs 80 billion to districts and union councils.

• Environment & climate: Rs 500 million earmarked for climate initiatives.

• Job creation: Around 6,000 new jobs planned, including contract and regular posts.

Comparison with the Last Five Budgets

Year Total Budget Development Non-Dev / Salaries Surplus / Deficit Highlights

2025–26 Rs 1,028 bn Rs 249–250 bn Rs 642 bn +Rs 51.5 bn Record size, surplus, security, human capital

2024–25 Rs 956 bn Rs 321 bn Not specified +Rs 25.4 bn Highest-ever dev spend; salary increases.

2023–24 Rs 750 bn Rs 229 bn Rs 437 bn Deficit Rs 49 bn Tax‑free; law, education, health allocations

2022–23 ~Rs 700 bn Data limited – – Gradual rise

2021–22 – – – – Continued upward trend

2020–21 – – – – Baseline – smaller overall

* Approximate, based on reported growth trajectory; precise figures from official archives.

Trend insights:

• Budget size: Nearly 38 % jump from Rs 750 bn in 2023–24 to Rs 1,028 bn in 2025–26.

• Development budget: From Rs 229 bn (2023–24) to Rs 321 bn (2024–25), then down to ~Rs 249 bn (2025–26) — indicating a re-balancing toward operational needs.

• Fiscal position: Shift from large deficits (Rs 49 bn in 2023–24) to consistent surpluses (Rs 25 bn in 2024–25, Rs 51.5 bn projected in 2025–26).

• Public payroll: Repeated boosts in salaries and pensions show government emphasis on workforce morale.

Analytical Evaluation and Opinion

1. Fiscal maturity: Generating surpluses signals improved financial discipline and a shift from prior budget deficits—a commendable pivot.

2. Development emphasis: While 2024–25 saw the peak in development spending, 2025–26 slightly reined it in, likely to safeguard fiscal balance. It remains a large allocation, signaling sustained focus.

3. Security-first: Massive allocation for law and order is understandable given recent insurgent attacks like Mastung bombing (April 2025) and Operation Herof 2.0. Still, long-term peace needs parallel socio-economic investment in marginalized areas.

4. Social wellbeing: Increments in education, health, and job creation are positive strides. The real test lies in execution—not just allocation. For instance, hiring 6,000 staff must be followed by capacity building and retention strategies.

5. Local empowerment: By transferring funds directly to local councils, the budget strengthens grassroots involvement—crucial for transparency and equitable service delivery.

6. Climate consciousness: Rs 500 million for climate change is welcome but modest given the province’s vulnerability; deeper commitment is needed.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The 2025–26 budget marks a watershed moment—record size, fiscal surplus, strengthened capacity in security and public service, and renewed focus on citizens’ welfare. It’s a balanced blend of developmental and operational priorities.

However:

• Strive to sustain development spending without compromising fiscal health.

• Monitor implementation closely—track PSDP projects and job recruitment.

• Boost climate funding to protect communities.

• Channel security gains toward ending insurgency through inclusive governance and economic uplift.

Suggestion: Adopting a multi-year medium‑term development plan embedded within the budget (like an MTBF Green Book) will help Balochistan maintain continuity, transparency, and accountability in spending for long-term impact.

Final verdict: A historically significant and promising budget—if implemented with discipline, it has strong potential to catalyze stability, development, and public trust.

Syed Ali Raza

World Peace Advocate 

QuaidePakistan@gmail.com

Youtube: @Mr.QuaidePakistan

Twitter: @QuaidePakistan