QUETTA: The inaugural session of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) convenes today, with the Balochistan government poised to present its financial challenges for the new national resource distribution award. Provincial authorities have finalized preparations to advocate for a greater share, citing severe fiscal strain.
Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani confirmed this initial meeting will focus on outlining Balochistan’s financial position. He indicated a working group would be formed for subsequent negotiations. A key voice in the deliberations, Balochistan’s non-official NFC member Mahfouz Ali Khan, emphasized the province’s unique burdens. He stated the province’s case would center on rising poverty, the economic cost of the war on terrorism, and chronic insecurity hampering trade and social development.
“Most of Balochistan’s resources are being spent on the war against terrorism that Balochistan is fighting,” Khan asserted, highlighting how security expenditures have crippled development. He also underscored a constitutional safeguard, stating that under the 18th Amendment, the collective provincial share in the NFC award cannot be reduced, setting a crucial parameter for discussions.
The outcome of this NFC award is critical for Balochistan, which seeks a formula that compensates for its security burdens and sparse population while promoting equitable development. Today’s meeting sets the stage for what are expected to be complex, high-stakes negotiations on federal resource sharing.
Meanwhile Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held an important meeting with the Governor Balochistan, Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, to review the prevailing political and administrative conditions of the province.
According to an official statement, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi and former Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani were also present during the meeting.
Discussions primarily focused on ongoing development projects and public welfare initiatives in the province.
The Governor briefed the participants on the progress of various infrastructure and uplift schemes currently underway in Balochistan.
The delegation appreciated the efforts of security forces and law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
