Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, MNA,  on Sunday described the Federal budget for 2026-27 as an important milestone for the country's economic development and welcomed what he termed the federal government's sincere efforts to address underdevelopment in Balochistan and provide relief to the public. Speaking during the budget debate in the National Assembly, Jamali expressed confidence that Balochistan's vast natural resources and agricultural potential could help transform not only the province but the entire country if the federal government worked closely with the provincial leadership to modernise these sectors. 

He proposed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to further strengthen the agriculture sector, which he described as the backbone of the national economy. He suggested that farmers and growers should be consulted before agricultural policies are finalised so that their recommendations could be incorporated into policy making. The lawmaker also called for measures to protect farmers from exploitation by the sugar industry, introduce crop insurance schemes, address the challenges posed by climate change, and minimise the tax burden on agriculture to ensure food security. 

Highlighting infrastructure needs in Balochistan, Jamali termed the Kachhi Canal Project a game-changing initiative capable of transforming the province's economy. He urged the government to prioritise its completion under the current Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and extend the canal beyond Dera Bugti to irrigate millions of acres of land across the province. He also proposed the dualisation of the Hub-Quetta Highway to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents. 

Referring to other longstanding issues facing the province, Jamali called for stronger cooperation between the federal and provincial governments to tackle unemployment and ensure Balochistan receives its fair share of water through canal systems, including the Pat Feeder Canal and North-West Canal. He also stressed the need to guarantee uninterrupted access to clean drinking water. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)