Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo stated that the budget 2018-19 for the province would be announced on May 8, a month ahead of scheduled time, according to a news report. He added that this was because the provincial assembly will be dissolved on May 31 in the wake of general elections in July.
Bizenjo was addressing a session of the Balochistan Cabinet, where he said that development funds will be frozen from April 27. Sources stated that the outlay of the budget would be PKR 350 billion, 6.55% higher than the 2017-18 budget of PKR 328.5 billion.
Bizenjo emphasised that the budget was going to be a people-friendly one, with a focus on the provision of health, education, and clean water facilities. He also directed all departments to share details of their development plans for the next fiscal year with the Planning and Development Department till May 1.
In the session, Balochistan Additional Chief Secretary Naseebullah Bazai and Finance Secretary Qamar Masood also briefed the attendees regarding the progress on development projects, the province’s financial condition, and features of the next budget.
