Balochistan Finance Minister Says Rs250 Billion Development Budget Insufficient, Calls for NFC Reforms
Quetta: Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Provincial Finance Minister of Balochistan, has stated that a development budget of Rs250 billion is insufficient for a province that makes up 44 percent of the country’s total land area.
Speaking to journalists in Quetta, he emphasized the need to revise the National Finance Commission Award formula to include not only poverty levels but also the geographical size of Balochistan.
Nosherwani said that improving key sectors such as mining and ports could significantly strengthen the province’s financial position. He added that under the constraints of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the upcoming fiscal year’s budget is also expected to remain surplus.
The minister noted that austerity measures have already been implemented, including limiting the number of official vehicles used by ministers and moving toward electric vehicles. He added that vehicles previously used by former officials are also being reclaimed as part of cost-cutting efforts.
Highlighting ongoing discussions, he said that NFC-related working groups have held meetings and progress so far suggests room for improvement. He stressed that Balochistan’s biggest challenge remains poverty and pointed out that current resource distribution is still based on outdated 1998 data.
Nosherwani said that all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have their own concerns, but efforts are being made to reach decisions in the national interest.
He further stated that while Balochistan is not yet self-sufficient, better performance in mining and port sectors could improve its economic outlook. He assured that the provincial government, under Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, is working to address gaps in budget planning.
The minister concluded that despite improved monitoring of development schemes, the current allocation remains inadequate, and future budgets will prioritize sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.
