Balochistan Government Committed to Economic Development and Fair Distribution of Resources: Shoaib Nosherwani

QUETTA: Balochistan Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani has said the provincial government is taking comprehensive measures to promote economic development, maintain financial discipline and improve public welfare, with strict action to be taken against those involved in corruption.

Speaking to various delegations, the finance minister said public relief, development projects and the fair distribution of resources had been given top priority in the provincial budget so that underdeveloped areas could also become part of the province’s development process.

He said the government wanted projects related to schools, hospitals, roads and other basic facilities to be completed without unnecessary delays. All relevant departments had been directed to ensure transparent utilization of funds.

Nosherwani said the government had adopted a strict policy against financial irregularities, unnecessary expenditures and the wastage of public funds. “Every rupee in the provincial treasury is a trust of the people,” he said, adding that indiscriminate action would be taken against elements involved in corruption.

The finance minister said efforts were also underway to make Balochistan financially stronger by utilizing local resources. New policies were being developed to improve the provincial tax system, better manage revenue generated from mineral resources and promote private-sector investment.

“We want Balochistan to reduce its dependence on the federal government and develop its own sources of revenue so that development can take place through self-reliance,” he said.

Speaking about the concerns of government employees, Nosherwani said the government had provided a significant increase in salaries and pensions in the current budget. He added that a separate fund was also being established to ensure timely payments to retired employees.

The finance minister said the government was aware of the problems faced by the people and had prioritized employment, education, healthcare, drinking water, agriculture and infrastructure development in the budget.

“Our goal is not development on paper, but improvement on the ground that every citizen can actually feel,” Nosherwani said.