June 14, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 13, 1424

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QUETTA, June 13: Balochistan’s budget for the financial year 2003-2004 would be presented in the provincial assembly on June 20, Finance Minister Syed Ehsan Shah told newsmen on Friday.

“It will be a deficit budget as we have not received the required funds from Islamabad,” the provincial minister said. He said Balochistan needed more resources for completing development schemes and launching new projects.

He said the provincial government had apprised Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and the federal finance minister about the financial crisis being faced by the province and they had held out the assurance that steps would be taken to resolve the issue.

“Other issues are also pending to be resolved with Islamabad, including Balochistan’s outstanding dues of Rs6 billion on account of gas surcharge,” Mr Shah said.

He said the provincial government had taken up the issue with the centre, that had promised that the matter would be reconsidered with mutual consultation and a committee would be set up for the purpose.

Replying to a question, he said that in view of the difficulties being faced by the people due to drought, minimum taxes would be imposed. He said maximum attention would be given to development projects.