Balochistan budget draws ire as press shut out, documents withheld

The Balochistan government sparked controversy by withholding its 2026-27 budget documents from journalists and the public, a move unprecedented in the province's history. This decision came as lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over the annual financial plan, with opposition members fiercely criticizing the proposed Rs206 billion development package.

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Opposition leader Zehri slams Rs206bn development package as inadequate

Opposition leader Zehri led the charge, deeming the package inadequate for the province's needs. Conversely, ministers defended the tax-free plan, characterizing it as realistic. Despite these defenses, the budget faced widespread condemnation from both treasury and opposition members within the assembly.

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Ministers defend tax-free plan as realistic

Adding to the criticism, Dr. Malik asserted that the budget fails to acknowledge the province's actual circumstances. The finance minister, Shoaib Nosherwani, had presented the budget on Wednesday, but the subsequent press conference was canceled, and the documents were kept from public view, fueling further discontent and questions about transparency.

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plan ignores province’s realities