Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has underscored the urgent need to boost provincial revenue, warning that rising non-development expenditures and shrinking development resources are putting increasing pressure on Balochistan’s financial sustainability.
CM Bugti urges revenue reforms as rising expenditures threaten Balochistan’s fiscal stability
QUETTA, Apr 01 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has underscored the urgent need to boost provincial revenue, warning that rising non-development expenditures and shrinking development resources are putting increasing pressure on Balochistan’s financial sustainability.
Presiding over the third meeting of the Advisory Council of the Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) at the CM Secretariat, Sarfraz Bugti stressed that strengthening the province’s revenue system is essential for long-term fiscal stability.
The high-level meeting focused on strengthening the province’s revenue system, making it more efficient, transparent, and aligned with modern practices.
The meeting approved several measures to modernize and streamline revenue collection for implementation of audit rules.
Digitalization initiatives to automate processes and structural reforms to improve tax collection and governance.
During the meeting, Chairman of Balochistan Revenue Authority Abdullah Khan briefed participants on BRA’s performance, noting that approximately Rs. 20 billion as half of the annual target of Rs. 40 billion has already been achieved.
Chief Minister Bugti directed officials to enhance field operations to ensure the timely achievement of revenue targets. He emphasized that increasing provincial revenue is no longer optional but essential.
“Non-development expenditures are consistently rising, while development funds are becoming increasingly constrained. Enhancing the province’s own revenue generation is unavoidable,” he said.
He emphasized the use of modern technology to ensure transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
The chief minister instructed authorities to invest in professional training for staff and engage private sector experts to modernize operations and boost efficiency.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Balochistan’s financial independence by making the revenue system more robust and sustainable.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary Imran Zarkoon, and Excise & Taxation Secretary Syed Zafar Bukhari, among other senior officials.
