Balochistan Province

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
A major step toward transforming Gwadar into a modern economic hub has been taken as authorities allocate 2,585 acres of land for the development of the city’s Central Business District (CBD).
The progress on the flagship project was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad and Director Town Planning Shahid Ali, who discussed the project’s scope, significance, and expected timeline.
Officials confirmed that the land allocation by the provincial government has cleared a major hurdle, paving the way for the formal launch of the CBD project. Once initiated, the development is expected to significantly boost economic, commercial, tourism, and real estate activities in Gwadar.
The CBD is a key component of the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and will be developed in the West Bay area. Envisioned as the city’s future downtown, it will feature a mix of corporate offices, residential apartments, hotels, shopping malls, and conference facilities.
The project will also include cultural and recreational amenities such as a museum, theatre, library, expo centre, marina park, and seaside resorts. Modern urban mobility solutions, including advanced traffic management systems, pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and public transport infrastructure, are also part of the plan.
Speaking on the occasion, Moin-ur-Rehman Khan highlighted Gwadar’s growing global importance, emphasizing its strategic location and operational deep-sea port. He expressed confidence that the CBD project will enhance investor confidence and position Gwadar as a competitive destination for international investment.
The project will be financed through a combination of land sales, public-private partnerships (PPP), and joint ventures (JV), and will be developed in phases over an eight-year period, starting with essential infrastructure.
Officials noted that the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and support sustainable urban development in the region.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan High Court was informed during the hearing of a constitutional petition concerning ongoing road construction and traffic issues in Quetta that the Imdad Chowk to Akram Hospital road project is progressing rapidly, with approximately 70 percent of the work expected to be completed before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The hearing was presided over by a two-member bench of Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhel, and Justice Muhammad Najmuddin Mengal. During the proceedings, Project Director Rafiq Baloch of the Chief Minister’s Quetta Development Package appeared alongside the Additional Advocate General and submitted a detailed progress report to the court.
Officials informed the court that under the project, the existing road will be completely rebuilt with an aggregate base and asphalt base course. Additionally, the construction includes U-turns, cross-drainage systems, and service roads under the flyovers.
Subordinate works under the project include curbstone installation, footpaths, lane markings, traffic signage, and street lighting, all of which are scheduled for completion by 30 April 2026.
During the hearing, it was noted that after the Zarghoon Road expansion and the proposed service road on the left side, traffic from the city’s southeast and western areas may face challenges, as each carriageway will have only three lanes, while peak-hour traffic exceeds 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles daily.
The Project Director suggested that the eastern section of the road be used as part of the main carriageway instead of a service road, and that regulatory signboards, lane dividers, and cat eyes be installed to better manage traffic flow.
The court issued interim orders directing the Deputy Commissioner Quetta, DIG Quetta Range, and SSP Traffic Police to ensure that during construction and after completion, no government or private entity is allowed to use Zarghoon Road or other under-construction roads for parking, ensuring smooth traffic movement in the area.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
A meeting chaired by Imran Gichki reviewed the progress of the Endowment Fund established for the conservation and sustainability of the Ziarat Juniper Forest.
During the meeting, participants were briefed on the progress made so far under the fund, including details regarding financial resources, administrative structure, and mechanisms for ensuring transparent and efficient utilization of funds.
The meeting also discussed measures to further strengthen and expand the Endowment Fund. Various proposals were considered to improve resource mobilization, enhance institutional coordination, and promote collaboration with public and private sector partners.
Speaking on the occasion, the secretary emphasized that the Ziarat Juniper forests are a valuable natural heritage and require sustained and coordinated efforts for their protection. He directed relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of conservation initiatives under the fund to safeguard the forests for future generations.