QUETTA:
For the first time in Balochistan’s history, the provincial Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2024-2025 includes 70% of approved uplift schemes.
“About 70% of approved schemes are included in the provincial PSDP in an effort to enhance good governance while 100% of schemes will be included by the following year,” stated Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti on Friday.
“Our goal this time is to spend 70 to 80% of the PSDP as the utilisation rate of development budget money has been relatively low in the past,” he added while speaking to the media outside the Balochistan Assembly following the budget session.
The chief minister mentioned that the provincial coalition administration had set a target of 70% for spending money on PSDP projects as, historically, the expenditure ratio had been extremely low. “There will be a healthy competition among lawmakers, the bureaucracy, and other parties concerned for the timely completion of the development schemes,” he added.
Bugti also issued a warning, stating that development funding would be transferred from those PSDP schemes that were not meeting expectations to those that were progressing quickly. “The parliamentarians have been asked to remain in their respective constituencies and monitor the pace of uplift schemes,” he added.
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Regarding the budget for the year 2024-25, the chief minister said that, for the first time, the provincial government has presented a surplus budget, credit for which goes to the coalition partners.
He emphasised the importance given to the sectors of health and education, with education being prioritised first, health second, and climate change third.
He pointed out that it was not just difficult, but impossible to develop 43% of Pakistan’s area with a limited budget, and that the province’s development and prosperity could not occur without the support of the federal government.
In the battle against terrorism, Bugti emphasised that the police and levies were fighting on the front lines, and attempts were being made to match their pay with the Punjab police.
Responding to a question, he mentioned that Pakistan Petroleum Limited owed over Rs50 billion in gas development surcharge and that attempts would be made to contest the case politely.
He expressed gratitude to his team, the coalition partners, and the Department of Finance for their collaboration on the budget while also acknowledging the numerous problems and difficulties facing the province.
