Balochistan budget raises higher education and fisheries allocations for FY2026-27

QUETTA: Balochistan has set aside major allocations for higher education and the fisheries sector in its budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with the provincial government saying the measures are aimed at strengthening human resource development and supporting coastal livelihoods.

Presenting the provincial budget, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said Rs2.3 billion had been allocated under the development budget for the Colleges, Higher and Technical Education Department, while Rs28.7 billion had been earmarked for non-development spending. He said social and economic advancement in the modern era could not be achieved without higher education, and described quality education for young people as essential for creating a skilled and self-reliant workforce.

Higher education allocations

Nosherwani said the non-development allocation for the department had been increased from Rs24 billion in FY2025-26 to Rs28 billion for the coming fiscal year. The budget also keeps in place the existing Rs8 billion grant for public sector universities. In addition, the government has proposed Rs2 billion in performance-based funding tied to the achievement of key performance indicators.

According to the budget details shared during the speech, students in colleges and universities received scholarships and laptops during the current fiscal year under different government programmes. For FY2026-27, the province has allocated Rs105.8 million for scholarships, including Rs54 million under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Programme for talented students from across Balochistan.

The provincial government has also earmarked Rs200 million to help address financial difficulties at NUST University campuses in the province. A further Rs1 billion grant has been allocated to meet operational requirements of the Colleges Department.

Coastal and fisheries spending

Separately, the budget allocates Rs346 million for development projects under the Fisheries and Coastal Development Department and Rs2.27 billion for non-development expenditures. During his speech, Nosherwani said Balochistan's 771-kilometre coastline provides significant opportunities in fisheries and coastal tourism, adding that thousands of people depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.

He said the government is preparing a comprehensive master plan for the entire coastal belt in line with international standards. The minister also said that in FY2025-26, the government spent Rs300 million on its Vessel Monitoring System programme to improve patrolling and help check illegal fishing.

For FY2026-27, Rs100 million has been allocated for a Digital Fisheries Information Management System and a marine resource mapping initiative intended to improve transparency and support the sustainable use of marine resources. The budget further includes Rs500 million for setting up a shrimp hatchery in Hub district.

The province also plans to launch a new programme for training young fishermen and equipping them with skills aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.