Balochistan rivals unite behind austerity plan

The Balochistan government and opposition parties reached a rare consensus on adopting austerity measures as the province confronts mounting economic pressure. The agreement emerged from a consultative meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and attended by coalition partners, parliamentary leaders and opposition figures.

Officials said the discussions focused on practical cost-cutting steps, including reducing fuel consumption, curbing unnecessary expenditure and protecting public funds. The provincial administration presented the plan as part of a broader response aligned with federal guidance amid worsening economic strain.

Bugti described the cross-party understanding as evidence of collective responsibility at a difficult moment. He said the aim was not only to tighten spending but also to preserve space for relief measures targeted at lower-income groups affected by inflation and rising living costs.

The consensus is politically notable in a province where government-opposition cooperation is often limited. By framing austerity as a shared obligation rather than a partisan choice, the participants signalled an effort to build broader backing for fiscal restraint while trying to preserve public confidence.