PkMAP Condemns Balochistan Budget, Threatens Legal Action Over Exclusion of Pashtun Districts from Development Projects

Quetta: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has strongly criticized the Balochistan government’s provincial budget, alleging that Pashtun-majority districts have been systematically neglected in development allocations and warning of protests and legal action if the situation is not addressed.

In a statement issued by the party’s provincial secretariat, PkMAP claimed that less than one-quarter of the provincial development budget had been allocated to Pashtun districts, describing the distribution as discriminatory and unfair. The party maintained that all regions of the province should receive an equitable share of development funds, resources, and opportunities.

The statement also criticized the government’s RISE (Resilience Integration and Socio-Economic Empowerment) project, a community development initiative with a reported cost of approximately Rs16.79 billion to be implemented through the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP).

According to PkMAP, the project includes the districts of Kharan, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Awaran, and Gwadar, but excludes all Pashtun-majority districts. The party alleged that this reflects political bias and deprives Pashtun communities of development opportunities.

The party said the RISE programme aims to provide vocational training, financial and technical assistance, support for the hospitality and business sectors, sustainable employment, and economic empowerment. It claimed the initiative is expected to benefit around 389,334 households and nearly three million people, while also funding 180 local community institutions, providing climate-resilient infrastructure schemes to 16,000 people, and creating employment opportunities for thousands, including youth-focused initiatives.

PkMAP expressed concern that none of these benefits would reach Pashtun districts under the current plan and accused elected representatives from the region of remaining silent over the issue.

The party vowed to continue raising the matter through constitutional, democratic, and legal channels, stating that if Pashtun districts are not included in the project, it will launch public protests and may challenge the decision in court. PkMAP said responsibility for any resulting political unrest would rest with the provincial government.