Rahim Ziaratwal Criticizes Balochistan Budget, Alleges Financial Irregularities and Lack of Development Planning

Quetta: Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Central General Secretary Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal has strongly criticized the Balochistan government’s surplus budget, alleging significant financial discrepancies, inadequate development planning, and violations of constitutional and budgetary rules.

Commenting on the provincial budget, Ziaratwal said that the development budget had been reduced by Rs43 billion compared to the previous fiscal year, while the government had simultaneously projected a surplus of Rs45 billion. He questioned the planning and approval process for the use of these funds and claimed that there was no clear strategy for utilizing an additional Rs86 billion difference between the announced budget size and the combined development and non-development expenditures.

According to Ziaratwal, expenditures amounting to Rs131 billion have not been properly reflected in the development budget. He also objected to the allocation of Rs40 billion under the heading of “Balochistan Special Development Priorities,” describing the fund as unconstitutional, unlawful, and contrary to established budgetary procedures.

He alleged that the allocation could be used through the bureaucracy against genuine democratic political parties and maintained that no conscientious political worker in the province could accept such a budget. He said his party completely rejects what it considers an anti-public and unconstitutional financial plan.

The PkMAP leader further criticized the presentation of budget figures, arguing that combining development and non-development expenditures, particularly salaries, under various departmental allocations creates a misleading impression about actual spending priorities.

Ziaratwal claimed that productive sectors such as agriculture, industry, livestock, forestry, minerals, fisheries, and information technology receive only a small percentage of the development budget. He also expressed concern over the state of education and healthcare, noting that Balochistan continues to face serious challenges in literacy and access to basic public services.

Highlighting water scarcity as one of the province’s most pressing issues, he said Balochistan has long been recognized as an arid region and receives significant seasonal floodwater annually, much of which goes unused and eventually flows into the sea. He argued that the provincial budget fails to adequately address water storage and irrigation infrastructure, despite their critical importance for the province’s future development.

Ziaratwal warned that continued neglect of irrigation, education, and health sectors could have serious consequences for local communities and may contribute to migration from remote districts affected by water shortages.

He further alleged that additional violations and irregularities in the budget would become apparent in the coming days. Calling for greater transparency, he urged lawmakers participating in the budget debate to recommend that the identified surplus funds be redirected toward development and social sectors.

The PkMAP leader concluded by stating that if corrective measures are not taken, his party would consider pursuing political, democratic, and legal avenues to challenge the budget and its implementation.