QUETTA: Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-Awami) President and member of provincial assembly Mir Asad Baloch has rejected the Balochistan budget for the financial year 2026-27, claiming it was not prepared by the provincial government.

Speaking to reporters after an assembly session, he termed the fiscal plan “anti-people” and alleged that it was drafted by individuals other than the elected representatives of the province.

He said the budget ignored the voice of the common people and their fundamental rights, effectively undermining the mandate given to elected representatives.

He expressed deep skepticism about the budget’s effectiveness, noting that similar budgets have been presented since 1970 without bringing any meaningful structural change, development, or improvement in Balochistan.

Referring to the ongoing insurgency and security challenges in the province, Mr Baloch urged the federal government to review its policies and increase funding for Balochistan, taking concrete steps aligned with ground realities.

“The federation must reassess its policies, look at the actual situation on the ground, and significantly increase funds to ensure development in education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment generation,” he said.

He highlighted what he described as a sharp disparity in fund distribution, arguing that it was weakening democratic norms. He said deputy commissioners are allocated Rs40bn, while elected public representatives receive only Rs20bn.

He said this imbalance undermines the democratic system.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026