The Balochistan government has presented a Rs1,134.92 billion surplus and tax-free budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly.

Presenting the budget, Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the total revenue for the next fiscal year has been estimated at Rs1,134.92 billion, while total expenditure has been set at Rs1,089.26 billion, leaving a projected surplus of Rs45.66 billion.

According to the budget documents, Balochistan is expected to receive Rs834.44 billion under federal transfers and the NFC Award. The province has set its own revenue target at Rs170 billion.

The budget also includes Rs65.34 billion for foreign-funded projects, Rs68.75 billion for project financing and capital receipts, and Rs30.61 billion under cash carry-forward.

The finance minister said Rs797.82 billion has been allocated for non-development expenditure, while the development budget has been set at Rs291.55 billion. This includes Rs44.56 billion for federal development projects, while the provincial Public Sector Development Programme has been fixed at Rs206.61 billion.

Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the surplus budget reflected financial discipline and improved economic planning.

According to the budget documents, Rs157.28 billion has been allocated for education, Rs107.92 billion for law and order, Rs73.99 billion for health, Rs15.13 billion for social protection, and Rs8.54 billion for sports and recreational activities.

The finance minister announced that zero sales tax has been imposed on educational services. He also said the rate of Capital Value Tax and stamp duty on property transfers has been reduced from 2 percent to 1 percent to support the real estate sector.

He said Rs2.82 billion has been allocated through the Balochistan Education Support Fund to assist deserving students, while an additional Rs1.5 billion will be provided for the Balochistan Health Card Programme.

The provincial government will also launch an interest-free loan programme to promote women’s economic empowerment.

Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said Rs54 million has been allocated for the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Programme. He added that 5,000 new posts will be created in different government departments to provide employment opportunities to youth.

The finance minister said salaries and pensions of Balochistan government employees have been increased by 7 percent in line with the federal government, despite financial constraints.

He said the budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is completely tax-free and no new tax has been imposed.

Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said the budget aims to promote public welfare, education, health, employment, social protection and development projects for sustainable growth in Balochistan.

Later, the Balochistan Assembly session was adjourned until 11am on June 18.

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