• BNP-A, JUI-F lawmakers allege cuts in province’s development share and PSDP neglect
• Both sides of the aisle welcome Iran-US MoU

QUETTA: Opposition lawmakers on Friday opposed the provincial budget during the debate, while treasury and opposition members jointly welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States and praised Pakistan’s role in mediation between the two rivals.

They also paid rich tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their contribution to the ceasefire and for initiating negotiations that, they said, were welcomed by the world, enhancing Pakistan’s image as a peacemaker.

However, Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A) President Mir Asad Baloch and JUI-F lawmaker Mir Zabid Reki opposed the budget, alleging that the federal government had reduced Balochistan’s share in the federal development budget and failed to include any major development projects in the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the province.

The deputy speaker, Ghazala Gola, presided over the session, during which the debate on the provincial budget for 2026–27 continued on the second day. She invited JUI-F lawmaker Mir Zabid Ali Reki to speak on the budget.

Taking the floor, Mr Reki strongly criticised the budget, saying the people of Balochistan were deeply disappointed over their rights. He questioned why the province had transferred Rs60 billion to the federation and said that if revenues from Sui gas and the Saindak project were properly paid, the province would not be facing financial difficulties.

He termed the federal government’s attitude toward Balochistan discriminatory. He pointed out that Rs500 million had been allocated for the MPA fund, while Rs700 million would be provided to deputy commissioners.

BNP-A President Asad Baloch, while speaking at length on the budget presented by the finance minister for the next financial year, highlighted the issues of Balochistan and said the province’s problems had persisted since 2006. He stressed the importance of dialogue to resolve political conflicts.

He criticised the delay in the Na­­tional Finance Commission (NFC) Award, saying the Constitution re­­quires it to be announced every five years.

Referring to the provincial PSDP for the next financial year, he said it was unclear how the government would implement new and ongoing development projects. He further criticised the federal government, holding it responsible for the financial and other issues of Balochistan.

Adviser to the CM, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, said the present government had played an effective role at the national level and praised the country’s foreign policy.

Provincial Minister for Irriga­tion Mir Sadiq Umrani described the budget as a national document that belonged equally to both the government and the opposition.

He also praised Pakistan’s role in helping prevent escalation between Iran and the US.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026