On June 2, Pakistan’s Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal disclosed that the government plans to set aside Rs1,000 billion for developmental purposes in the upcoming 2025-26 budget, which marks a reduction from the current fiscal year's allocation of Rs1,100 billion. He described this as a challenging yet deliberate measure aimed at adhering to financial constraints.
At the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meeting, he stated that Rs250 billion would be allocated directly to Balochistan for enhancing local infrastructure and development initiatives. While other areas will benefit from financial support as well, priority will be placed on nationally significant projects.
Iqbal stated that the administration has established achievable growth objectives for the upcoming financial year: a 4.2% increase in GDP, a 4.5% rise in agriculture, and a 4.3% boost in industry. Additionally, the livestock segment is projected to expand by 4.2%. These goals are designed to rejuvenate economic activity amid a difficult international landscape.
The minister highlighted that water infrastructure and connectivity initiatives would be of utmost importance. He particularly pointed out the urgency for an earlier start on constructing the Diamer Bhasha Dam because of recent threatening actions from India. Significant financial support will also go toward major roadway developments such as Phase 2 of the Karakoram Highway, the N-25 Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Expressway, and the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway.
Even with the reduced funding, Iqbal guaranteed that crucial current initiatives will continue. "Our priority is achieving outcomes rather than merely tracking figures," he stated. The administration intends to enhance water security, decrease commute times, and foster economic development—all while adhering to financial constraints.
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