Headline (English): Balochistan Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs119.6 Billion for Health and Agriculture

Quetta: The Government of Balochistan has unveiled a major package worth Rs119.6 billion for the development of the healthcare and agriculture sectors in the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

Presenting the budget in the Balochistan Assembly, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani announced that a significant portion of the budget would be spent on improving healthcare facilities, while substantial funds have also been allocated for food security and modern agricultural initiatives across the province.

Historic Rs96 Billion Package for Health Sector

Giving top priority to the provision of quality healthcare services, the provincial government has allocated Rs96 billion for the health sector. Of this amount, Rs6 billion has been earmarked for development projects, while Rs90 billion will be spent on non-development expenditures. The non-development allocation represents a 30 percent increase compared to last year's Rs71 billion.

Major Health Sector Announcements:

• Balochistan Health Card: Funding increased from Rs4.5 billion to Rs6 billion.
• New Trauma Center in Quetta: Rs1.3 billion allocated for operational expenses.
• PPHI Grant: Increased from Rs7.6 billion to Rs8.8 billion.
• New Recruitment: Approval granted for 500 new positions in the health department to address staff shortages.

The budget for purchasing medicines across the province has been increased by 23 percent, reaching Rs8.5 billion. Additionally, Rs10 million has been allocated for a Thalassemia Center in Kech and Rs9 million for healthcare facilities in Gwadar. The grant for Sheikh Zayed Institute of Cardiology has also been increased to Rs2.8 billion.

Rs23.6 Billion Allocated for Agriculture and Food Security

Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani described agriculture as the backbone of the national economy, noting that the sector contributes 23.4 percent to Pakistan’s GDP.

Keeping its importance in view, the provincial government has allocated Rs23.6 billion for agriculture, including Rs4.4 billion for development projects and Rs19.2 billion for non-development expenditures.

Key Agricultural Reforms:

• Agro Market Hub: Rs2.5 billion allocated for establishing a modern agricultural trading market.
• Kissan Card Program: Rs1 billion approved to provide direct relief to farmers.
• Cotton Development Program: Rs200 million allocated to boost cotton production.

For the Food Department, Rs5.08 billion has been allocated under non-development expenditures, while Rs9 million has been earmarked for development projects aimed at ensuring the safe storage of wheat and other food commodities across the province.