Federal Budget 2025–26: Government Allocates Rs. 769.7 Billion for Balochistan
Islamabad:The Government of Pakistan has allocated approximately **Rs. 769.7 billion** for Balochistan in the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. This amount includes the province’s share under the **National Finance Commission (NFC) Award** and separate funds for ongoing **development projects**.
According to official documents, Balochistan has been granted a **9.09% share** of the 57.5% financial distribution to provinces under the NFC Award, which amounts to around **Rs. 743 billion** for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition, the federal government has earmarked **Rs. 26.73 billion** for various developmental initiatives in Balochistan, focusing on **infrastructure, healthcare, education, and energy sectors**.
### Mixed Reactions from Business Community and Analysts
The business community in Balochistan has welcomed the budget. President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, **Ayub Marriani**, praised the salary increase for employees and thanked the federal government for allocating **Rs. 100 billion** for the long-awaited and hazardous **Chaman-Karachi highway**. He also urged the government to **reconsider the 15% valuation tax** on trade through borders with **Iran and Afghanistan**, citing ongoing instability in border trade operations.
Senior Vice President **Akhtar Kakar** expressed concerns over the **insufficient funding for dam construction** in Balochistan, highlighting the **declining underground water levels** in the province. He appreciated the establishment of **Danish Schools**, but emphasized the need to expand their number, considering Balochistan’s vast geography.
### Analysts Question Implementation
Despite the promising allocations, political analysts remain skeptical. They point out that **funds allocated for Balochistan often remain unutilized**, trapped in bureaucratic delays or simply unfulfilled on paper. They argue that while federal budgets regularly include **rhetoric about prioritizing Balochistan**, actual **disbursement of funds is slow and unreliable**, stalling crucial development projects.
Analysts further urge the federal government to **ensure timely release of approved funds** to the provincial government so that **projects can be completed on schedule** and **real benefits can reach the public**.
### Conclusion
While the budget allocation for Balochistan in 2025–26 appears encouraging in numbers, its success will depend largely on **practical execution**, **transparency**, and **timely financial transfers** from the center to the province.
