Balochistan Ministers Overspend Budget by Rs130 Million, Fuel Expenses Surge by Rs13 Million

QUETTA: Ministers of the Balochistan government and their staff exceeded their allocated budget by Rs130 million during the last fiscal year, while expenditures on fuel also rose significantly despite official austerity measures.

According to official figures, Rs761.8 million had been allocated in the fiscal year 2025–26 for the salaries, allowances, and other benefits of provincial ministers and their staff. However, total expenditures reached Rs892.1 million by the end of the fiscal year, exceeding the approved allocation by Rs130.3 million.

The overspending comes despite the Balochistan government’s announcement of austerity measures amid regional tensions in the Gulf, which specifically emphasized reducing expenditures on petroleum products and fuel consumption.

Sources said that Rs49 million had been earmarked in the budget for fuel expenses incurred by ministers and their staff. However, actual spending on petroleum products amounted to Rs62.1 million, reflecting an increase of Rs13.1 million over the allocated amount.

The figures indicate that fuel-related expenditures alone significantly exceeded the approved budget despite directives aimed at curbing non-essential government spending.

The reported increase in expenditures has raised questions regarding the implementation of the provincial government’s austerity policies and adherence to budgetary limits by public office holders.