QUETTA: The opposition and treasury benches in Balochistan Assembly have called upon finance managers to allocate substantial amounts for development and job-creating projects in budget proposals for next year.

Speaking at a pre-budget session of the assembly on Saturday, the members were of the opinion that Balochistan’s financial crunch was aggravating by the day, accusing the federal government of holding back its share in the NFC award and not “honouring commitments”.

Ahmed Nawaz Baloch, an opposition MPA from the BNP-Mengal, spoke about the poor condition of highways passing through Balochistan.

He said Quetta’s Sabzal Road was still incomplete. “Funds should be allocated in the budget for reconstruction of damaged bridges and roads.”

He drew government’s attention to scarcity of drinking water in Sariab. He demanded funds for universities and government schools functioning in makeshift structures.

Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said the provincial government, despite having limited resources, was making efforts to prepare a people-friendly budget.

“Most of our financial problems relate to the federal government and it is the responsibility of all public representatives of Balochistan to take up these matters with Islamabad at all forums,” Mr Langove said.

The federal government had not given “a single penny” to Balochistan for rehabilitation of flood victims despite the prime minister’s promise, the minister said.

Daanish schools

Education Minister Mir Naseebullah Mari also accused Islamabad of ignoring the province’s plight, expressed his scepticism over the centre’s announcement of setting up Daanish schools.

Communications and Works Minister Abdul Rehman hoped the centre would address financial issues of Balochistan.

Younas Aziz Zehri of the JUI-F said a special package should be announced for the agriculture sector.

He said more funds be allocated for livestock, education and health. Instead of constructing more schools, the state of existing schools should be improved, he added.

Akhtar Hussain Langove, a BNP-Mengal MPA, spoke about the rising non-development expenditures, saying that it was affecting progress.

Ms Shakeel Naveed Dahwar of BNP-Mengal said a proposal for setting up Balochistan Bank should be implemented.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2023