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The Government of Balochistan has announced significant investments in higher education and the fisheries sector as part of its FY2026-27 provincial budget. The new budget aims to strengthen human resource development, improve educational opportunities, and promote sustainable economic growth through coastal development initiatives.
Presenting the provincial budget, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani said that Rs2.3 billion has been allocated under the development budget for the Colleges, Higher and Technical Education Department. In addition, Rs28.7 billion has been earmarked for non-development expenditures, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education across the province.
The finance minister emphasized that higher education plays a vital role in producing a skilled and self-reliant workforce capable of driving Balochistan’s long-term social and economic development. The non-development budget for the department has increased from Rs24 billion in FY2025-26 to Rs28 billion in FY2026-27.
The provincial government has also retained the existing Rs8 billion grant for public sector universities while introducing an additional Rs2 billion in performance-based funding linked to key performance indicators. To support students, Rs105.8 million has been allocated for scholarship programmes, including Rs54 million under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship Programme for talented students throughout Balochistan.
Furthermore, the budget allocates Rs200 million to address financial challenges faced by NUST University campuses in the province and an additional Rs1 billion grant to meet the operational requirements of the Colleges Department.
Alongside education, the Balochistan government has announced major investments in the fisheries and coastal development sector. The budget includes Rs346 million for development projects and Rs2.27 billion for non-development expenditures under the Fisheries and Coastal Development Department.
Highlighting the province’s 771-kilometre coastline, the finance minister said Balochistan possesses enormous potential for fisheries, marine resources, and coastal tourism. Thousands of families depend on the sector for their livelihoods, making sustainable development a government priority.
To modernize the industry, Rs100 million has been allocated for a Digital Fisheries Information Management System and marine resource mapping initiative. The government also plans to establish a shrimp hatchery in Hub district with an allocation of Rs500 million to boost seafood production and strengthen the local fisheries industry.
Additionally, the provincial government intends to launch training programmes for young fishermen, equipping them with modern skills to create sustainable employment opportunities and improve productivity. Officials believe these initiatives will support economic growth while ensuring the responsible management of marine resources across Balochistan.
