ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released Rs2.77 billion for Balochistan development projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for fiscal year 2025–26, according to documents shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
The papers show that against a revised allocation of Rs24.49 billion for Balochistan under “Demand No. 109 – Other Development Expenditure, Provinces and Special Areas,” total releases so far stand at Rs2.77 billion. Provinces received a total allocation of Rs92.79 billion under this head, with Rs3.01 billion released. Balochistan accounts for about 92 percent of the total disbursement.
The province’s funding represents just over 11 percent of its revised allocation, in line with early fiscal-year trends. The development portfolio focuses on road connectivity, water resources, and municipal infrastructure sectors seen as critical to Balochistan’s economic growth.
Major road schemes include the 110-km Chedagi (Iran border)–Panjgur Road, the 103-km Zhob–Mekhtar link via Murgha Kibzai, and the Northern Bypass in Loralai. The projects aim to connect agricultural valleys and mineral zones with national trade routes.
Water projects such as the Ghand Dam in Dera Bugti target improved water security through small and medium reservoirs to support irrigation and drinking needs in drought-hit regions.
Urban improvement works in Quetta and other towns include drainage, streetlighting, solid waste management, and traffic systems under “smart city” initiatives, along with school and health infrastructure upgrades.
Punjab posted a record Rs442 billion provincial surplus in the first quarter, Sindh Rs209 billion, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs77 billion, and Balochistan Rs54 billion.
Officials said ongoing projects are receiving steady funding tranches between Rs196 million and Rs700 million to maintain progress in the first half of the fiscal year. New or feasibility-stage projects are awaiting PC-I approvals and procurement completion.
The report noted that utilisation remains modest but consistent with past trends, as disbursements typically rise in the second half once projects reach billable stages and contracts are finalised.
In Septmber, the Balochistan government had announced major policy and development decisions, including the province’s first-ever transgender strategy, the creation of an endowment fund for minority communities, and a ban on hate speech.
According to a press release from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Friday, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti presided over the 19th cabinet meeting and described these decisions as a commitment to public interest and sustainable development.
