ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved a change in the constitution of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) after the Government of Balochistan revised its nomination.
Officials said Balochistan replaced economist Kaiser Bengali with Mahfooz Ali Khan as its non-ex officio member in the NFC. Provincial Finance Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi earlier confirmed Bengali’s nomination and described it as a good choice to plead Balochistan’s case. The province later withdrew the nomination.
The presidency announced that Zardari accorded approval to Mahfooz Ali Khan’s nomination, superseding the earlier decision. The president also signed into law the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament.
On August 25, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti called the NFC Award an important opportunity to strengthen the federation and promote provincial harmony. He chaired a meeting in Quetta on preparations for the award, attended by Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani and senior officials.
Noshirwani briefed the meeting on the province’s financial needs and outlined proposals for the NFC. Participants decided to consult all political parties, including those without representation in Parliament, as well as economists and subject experts.
Bugti said broader consultation would ensure a comprehensive and unified provincial stance. He stressed that fair distribution of resources and transparency would guarantee provincial development and a stronger federation.
“The aim is to present a unified and strong position of Balochistan so that the interests of our people are protected at all levels,” Bugti said. He added that the 11th NFC Award should help eliminate the province’s backwardness and promote national unity and mutual trust.
