Balochistan set to unveil Rs1,100b surplus budget 2026-27 today
Development spending may range between Rs250b and Rs300b: Salary and pension increase expected in line with federal announcement
The Balochistan government is set to present its budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the provincial assembly at 4pm today (Wednesday), with the total outlay expected to exceed Rs1.1 trillion.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Provincial Finance Minister Shoaib Nosherwani will present the budget, which is expected to maintain a surplus position while outlining the government's spending priorities for the coming fiscal year.
Development expenditure is likely to range between Rs250 billion and Rs300 billion. The government is expected to allocate significant resources to key sectors including education, healthcare, public infrastructure and law enforcement.
Education is expected to receive more than Rs160 billion, making it one of the largest sectors in the proposed budget.
The health sector is likely to be allocated over Rs85 billion, while more than Rs100 billion is expected to be earmarked for maintaining law and order across the province.
Officials estimate that Balochistan will receive more than Rs795.13 billion from federal revenues during the next fiscal year.
Of this amount, approximately Rs771.39 billion is expected to come from the divisible pool under the National Finance Commission framework.
The province is also projected to generate around Rs23.74 billion through direct transfers linked to various gas-related revenues.
In addition, taxes falling under the provincial government's jurisdiction are expected to generate more than Rs150 billion in revenue.
Non-development expenditure for the upcoming financial year is estimated to exceed Rs700 billion.
Meanwhile, development spending is expected to remain within the range of Rs250 billion to Rs300 billion, reflecting the government's focus on infrastructure and public services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The proposed budget includes more than Rs40 billion for the communications and works sector, while over Rs17 billion is expected to be allocated for clean drinking water projects aimed at improving public health and access to basic services.
The budget is also expected to incorporate increases in salaries and pensions for government employees in line with the measures recently announced by the federal government, providing relief to public sector workers and retirees.
Reporter: Isa Tareen