Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: The Government of Balochistan is set to present its eagerly awaited budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on June 22. With a strong emphasis on education and health, the budget aims to uplift key sectors and improve the lives of citizens across the province.
Key Highlights:
- Salary Increase: The budget proposes a significant 25% salary increase for government employees, recognizing their dedication and service.
- Education Boost: Non-development education spending will surge from 79 billion PKR to 107 billion PKR, marking a remarkable 35% increase. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to quality education and skill development.
- Healthcare Investment: The health sector will witness a similar boost, with funding rising from 51 billion PKR to 67 billion PKR (a 30% increase). The establishment of a state-of-the-art hospital in Naseerabad and the expansion of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Quetta are among the flagship projects.
- Transportation Initiatives: The People’s Bus Service in Turbat will be expanded, and additional green buses will ply the streets of Quetta, enhancing public transportation options.
- Federal Support: The federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) allocation for Balochistan will increase by a substantial 61%, reaching 58 billion PKR.
- Revenue Projections: The budget anticipates 647 billion PKR from federal receipts and an 8% growth in provincial receipts (from 111 billion PKR to 121 billion PKR).
- Fiscal Management: Despite ambitious spending, the budget aims for prudent fiscal management. The deficit of 701 billion PKR will be covered through better financial planning, reducing non-development outlay from 437 billion PKR to 430 billion PKR.
Balochistan ministers Mir Zahoor Buledi and Shoaib Nowsherwani addressed a press conference, providing these crucial details. The budget reflects the government’s commitment to progress, welfare, and sustainable development for the people of Balochistan.
