QUETTA: Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-Awami) President and member of provincial assembly Mir Asad Baloch has criticized the recently approved Balochistan budget for the financial year 2026-27, alleging it fails to address the province’s developmental needs and democratic principles.
Addressing reporters following an assembly session, Mr. Baloch described the fiscal plan as “anti-people,” asserting it was formulated without input from elected representatives. He emphasized that the budget disregards public concerns and fundamental rights, contradicting the province’s elected mandate.
Mr. Baloch expressed skepticism about the budget’s ability to drive change, noting that similar proposals have been introduced since 1970 without achieving substantial progress in infrastructure, social services, or economic growth.
Highlighting persistent security challenges and insurgency in Balochistan, he urged the federal government to reassess its policies and allocate increased funding aligned with the province’s ground realities. He specifically called for enhanced investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation.
He pointed to a significant budgetary imbalance, citing allocations of Rs40 billion for deputy commissioners compared to Rs20 billion for elected representatives. Mr. Baloch argued this disparity weakens democratic accountability and fairness in resource distribution.
