The Balochistan government has delayed its budget session, which was scheduled for tomorrow (Friday), till June 19 as it was “not able to complete” preparation.

“Balochistan Governor Abdul Wali Kakar under Article 109(a) of the Constitution has summoned the provincial assembly session on June 19, 2023 at 4:00pm instead of Friday, June 16, at 4:00pm,” said the statement from Assembly Secretariat on Thursday.

Sources within the Finance Department said that the provincial government needed a few more days to add more new schemes.

They added that copies of the budget were not prepared before a summary was sent by the Balochistan governor in which the budget meeting of the Balochistan Assembly was summoned on Friday.

It merits here to mention that Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Biznejo boycotted the federal government budget session in Islamabad on June 09. He had also given clear instructions to National Assembly members and senators belonging to his party to not attend the budget session in protest, otherwise, strict disciplinary action would be taken.

Bizenjo’s decision to boycott the session was due to the federal government’s “ignorant attitude” towards the resource-rich but backward province. This is the same reason he cited for not attending the National Economic Council meeting.

The NEC is the country’s highest forum on the macroeconomic and development agenda and is headed by the prime minister. The council comprises four members appointed by the premier and two members each from all provinces.