Finance Minister of Balochistan, Engineer Zmarak Khan Achakzai, presented the province’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget in a session presided over by Speaker Jan Muhammad Jamali of the Balochistan Assembly.
The session was attended by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, ministers, and provincial assembly members.
The budget, totaling Rs750 billion, is noteworthy for its significant allocations to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), non-development expenditure, health, and education.
Budget Allocations
In his budget speech, Achakzai announced that more than Rs229.301 billion had been assigned to the PSDP. Non-development expenditure was set at Rs437 billion, revealing a concerted effort to channel funds toward developmental initiatives.
The fiscal year’s budget was declared tax-free, with a deficit for the upcoming financial year projected at Rs49 billion. Notably, Rs65 billion have been allocated to the health sector, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare in the province.
Salary increments were also part of the budget announcement, with a 35% increase for employees from grades one to 16 and a 30% rise for those in grades 17 to 22. Pensioners will also see their pensions increase by 17.5%.
Budget’s Focus
Education received significant attention in the budget, with Rs87 billion earmarked for this sector. The minister revealed plans to upgrade 100 primary schools to secondary status and 50 primary schools to high schools. Around 863 new posts will be created to improve the quality of education. Furthermore, Rs12 billion will be used to advance primary and secondary education.
In the face of security challenges, Rs53 billion have been set aside for law enforcement and security. The budget also outlined substantial funding for livestock development, acknowledging that most of Balochistan’s population is directly or indirectly involved in this sector. It includes allocating Rs1.5 billion for livestock development and Rs5.4 billion for non-developmental purposes in the animal affairs sector.
Projects aimed at enhancing sheep and goat fattening and promoting rural poultry farming in Balochistan are underway as part of the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s program.
Rs50 million were spent on vaccines to safeguard livestock from diseases, thereby preventing heavy losses for the province’s farmers. More than Rs180 million were released to further aid farmers, ensuring they receive maximum facilities.
