QUETTA: Opposition members in the Balochistan Assembly, speaking during the debate on the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, strongly criticised Islamabad’s policies on Saturday, alleging that the federal government had neglected the province in its budget and reduced its share of resources, causing difficulties for the people of the underdeveloped province.

They said Balochistan continued to face terrorism despite the allocation of substantial funds for security. The lawmakers demanded immediate measures to address law and order, unemployment and economic hardships. Treasury members, however, defended the provincial budget, describing it as balanced and inclusive.

Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola presided over the budget session, which began one and a half hours later than its scheduled time.

Taking the floor, JUI-F lawmaker Fazal Qadir Mandokhail said the allocation for development projects was inadequate. He argued that the Rs200 billion Public Sector Development Programme was insufficient, comparing it to the cost of a single expressway project in Faisalabad. He said ongoing development schemes had been allocated inadequate funds and urged the government to increase allocations, particularly for projects aimed at addressing water shortages in Zhob.

Calls for greater allocations for agriculture, water and youth programmes in provincial fiscal plan

National Party MPA Kulsoom Niaz Baloch said Balochistan had been ignored in the federal budget and stressed the need for a fair distribution of resources. She said development and prosperity could not be achieved without empowering the youth.

Ms Baloch also criticised the limited allocation for women-focused schemes, saying women’s participation was essential for the province’s progress. She further demanded the release of employees arrested during protests by the Grand Alliance.

BAP lawmaker Farah Azeem Shah highlighted the economic challenges faced by youth in Makran and warned that financial deprivation was pushing some towards extremism.

Public Accounts Committee Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen strongly criticised the federal government, alleging that Balochistan’s share in the federal budget had been unfairly reduced. He said the provision of only 5,000 jobs for youth across the province was insufficient and called for greater focus on agriculture, irrigation and livestock development.

JUI-F member Shahida Rauf said criticism of the budget should be constructive and pointed out that the Rs4.4 billion allocations for agriculture was too low. She called for internship and skills development programmes to improve employment opportunities for young people.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026