• Rs106bn set aside for new schemes, Rs100bn for ongoing projects
• Communication sector tops with Rs27bn for infrastructure expansion
• Schools receive Rs12bn, higher education Rs3bn

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has allocated Rs206 billion for the Annual Development Plan (ADP) for the 2026-27 financial year, directing the funds toward new and ongoing development projects.

Under the upcoming year’s development programme, Rs106bn has been allocated for new development schemes, while the remaining Rs100bn will be spent on ongoing projects.

An official from the department concerned said ongoing schemes would be completed as soon as possible to spare more funds for new development projects.

According to available information — as full budget documents were not immediately provided to the media — the highest allocation was made to the communication sector with Rs27bn. Under the next financial year’s programme, new road projects will be implemented, including the construction of the Pak-Afghan Badini border roads, which will cost Rs4.5bn.

The school education sector was also given priority in the development programme, receiving an allocation of Rs12bn, while colleges and higher education will receive between Rs2bn and Rs3bn. The government will also spend Rs8bn on facility upgrades.

Other key sector allocations include Rs12.6bn for the irrigation department, Rs6bn for health department development projects, Rs5.3bn for the energy sector, Rs4.4bn for agriculture, and Rs145bn for public health engineering schemes.

Additionally, 500 new vacancies will be created in the health department during the next financial year.

In a major policy shift, the government has decided to spend a large share of the development budget on various new schemes through district administrations, effectively reducing the share of funds allocated to members of the provincial assembly.

Though opposition members remained silent during the finance minister’s budget speech, they expressed their anger after the session, stating they will speak on the issue during the budget debate.

In addition to the provincial development programme, Rs45bn will be available for federal government projects and Rs40bn for foreign project assistance. These additional financial resources will be used to implement projects across vital sectors, including infrastructure, education, health, drinking water, communication, agriculture and energy.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026