The gradual increase in the budget is insufficient to meet the growing needs of the country.

Faisalabad(94 News City Reporter) Social Development Initiatives organized a key dialogue on health and education budget allocation in Pakistan organized by the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives under the Citizens Network for Budget Accountability. In which 2021-2022 From 2024-2025 Budget trends up to 2018 were analysed, highlighting the infrastructural weaknesses and regional disparities facing these key sectors and emphasizing that incremental budget increases have been insufficient to meet the growing needs of the country. There are clear disparities between provinces in both health and education sectors. The analysis revealed that federal health expenditure 2024-2025 In 56,356 Millions of rupees constitute only a small portion of the total federal budget, indicating persistently insufficient financial support. A significant disparity was found in the provincial budget. Sindh 2021 By doubling your health budget from 321,712 Million rupees and 64 percent earmarked for public health services. Health Budget of Punjab 371,806 million is mostly focused on hospital services with Rs. This leaves preventive care underfunded. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2023-2024 of its development budget 197 showed a significant increase in percentage, focusing on hospital infrastructure while Balochistan which 77,167 million has been allocated is facing difficulties in addressing the gap in infrastructure and services. Pakistan has a shortage of 589,122 hospital beds highlighting the urgent need to expand healthcare facilities. Especially in resource-poor areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where per capita health expenditure is alarmingly low. Federal allocation in the education sector 145,493 Million over Rs 191,650 million rupees, but a large part of this budget 76 percent goes to higher education, leaving less resources for primary and secondary education. At the provincial level, Sindh's education budget emerged as a model of balanced distribution, in which 507,576 In contrast, Punjab's budget has allocated more than Rs. 191,540 Million is significant with Rs. but mostly seems to be earmarked for higher education with only Rs 7 Percentage allocated to primary education. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also followed the same pattern, its own 101,271 A budget of Rs 73 percent allocated for higher education, while Balochistan 2024-2025 I in my education budget 218 Focused significantly on primary and secondary education to meet basic needs by increasing the percentage. The dialogue concluded with important recommendations to address structural financial gaps in both sectors. It was emphasized that Pakistan should increase its health budget at all levels, prioritize hospital infrastructure and target funding to under-resourced areas to reduce health care inequities. Emphasis on public-private partnerships and preventive health care was suggested as key strategies to increase service delivery. It was considered necessary to rebalance budget allocations in the education sector to prioritize primary and secondary education for a strong educational base across the country. (WASH) The need for expansion of facilities was also highlighted as an important step to increase attendance and improve student health. These recommendations are in line with Pakistan's Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs) Specifically SDG3 Good health and well-being. And SDG4 is consistent with commitments made for quality education. By addressing these critical funding and infrastructure gaps, Pakistan can move closer to achieving equitable access to health care and education, promoting inclusive socioeconomic development, and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. Mian Shahid Nadeem Executive Director SDI, Kashif Shahzad Chaudhry Provincial President Packet Teachers Union. Mohammad Kashif Butt Provincial Spokesperson PACKET Punjab, Mohammad Farooq General Secretary PACKET Faisalabad, Dr. Nazia, Apart from Aslam Butt and Imtiaz Tatla, civil society representatives and people from various government departments participated and pledged to raise their voice for their rights.