Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
A review meeting on the Quetta Master Plan was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzeb Khan Kakar, in which detailed deliberations were made on the city’s master planning, survey work, digital mapping, geotechnical testing, and digitization process, as well as future development, expansion, and solutions to core urban issues.
Officials from the QDA and the concerned consultant firm, along with other relevant officers, attended the meeting. During the session, the consultant firm provided a comprehensive briefing on short-term, mid term, and long term planning under the Quetta Master Plan. The briefing also covered the land survey report, Digital Mapping Information System, results of field surveys, urban boundary demarcation, land utilization, and proposed improvements in road infrastructure as well as sewerage and drainage systems.
The Commissioner directed the concerned firm to finalize all measures at the earliest and present them for implementation, stressing that timely execution of the master plan must be ensured at all costs. He emphasized that city planning should be carried out in light of population growth and future needs, and instructed that all relevant institutions, departments, and stakeholders be taken on board to formulate a practical and workable plan.
He further directed that an effective strategy be developed to relocate commercial and industrial activities from the city center to outer areas in order to reduce increasing traffic congestion and urban pressure.
The Commissioner also highlighted that water scarcity and other civic issues remain major challenges for Quetta, and therefore their sustainable solutions must be prioritized in the master plan. He instructed that short-term projects be implemented immediately, while the pace of mid term and long-term projects should also be accelerated.
Commissioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar stated that through a comprehensive master plan, Quetta will be developed on modern lines, leading to improved civic facilities, organized urban expansion, and enhanced economic activity. He added that the plan will not only address current urban needs but will also play a key role in managing future population growth and increasing urban pressures.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Government of Balochistan has issued a formal notification revising the operating hours of markets, wedding halls, and restaurants as part of measures aimed at conserving energy and providing relief to the public. Immediate implementation of the decision has begun.
The move was approved during an austerity-related meeting chaired by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, following which relevant departments were directed to enforce the new guidelines.
According to Additional Chief Secretary Interior Hamza Shafqaat, all markets and shopping centres across the province will close by 8 pm. However, pharmacies, tandoors, and naan shops have been exempted from these restrictions.
He further stated that all events at wedding halls, banquet halls, and hotels must conclude by 10 pm, while restaurants and hotels will also be required to close at the same time.
Authorities have directed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with the new timings. The public has also been urged to cooperate with these measures to help tackle the energy crisis and provide relief to citizens.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Director General of Quetta Development Authority (QDA), Aurangzeb Kasi, has said that 50 percent of the Quetta Master Plan (2025–2055) has been completed, while the remaining work is expected to be finalized by June.
He stated that commercial plots in Zarghoon Housing Scheme and other projects will be auctioned on April 6, 8, and 13. Providing facilities to the business community remains a top priority, he added. He further informed that development work is ongoing on Sariab Link Road, Karachi Bus Terminal, and a 64-acre land near Radio Pakistan on Sariab Road, where a public park, commercial areas, and multi-billion-rupee residential projects are being developed.
He expressed these views during a meeting with office bearers and members of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Earlier, Chamber President Haji Muhammad Ayub Maryani, Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar, and others said that the meeting was highly significant as it provided detailed information regarding the public auction of commercial plots by QDA. They termed the initiative a positive step towards the development of Quetta and an opportunity for the business community to explore new avenues of investment.
They noted that commercial plots are available at key locations, including Zarghoon Housing Scheme, Karachi Bus Terminal, and Sariab Link Road areas expected to witness significant commercial growth in the future. Investment in these areas, they said, is likely to be both secure and profitable.
The business community was urged to take full advantage of such opportunities, emphasizing that economic stability and growth depend on timely and informed investments. They also expressed hope that QDA would maintain close coordination with the business community and ensure transparency, facilitation, and trust in its development projects.
Aurangzeb Kasi further stated that his visit to the Chamber aimed to bridge the communication gap between QDA and the business community. He explained that all decisions of QDA are made by its governing body, which includes provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly, the Commissioner of Quetta Division, and the Secretary of S&GAD, among others.
He added that plot prices are determined after surveying rates set by the Deputy Commissioner, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and property dealers. The per square foot rates for plots in Sariab Link Road, Karachi Bus Terminal, and Zarghoon Housing Scheme range from Rs6,000 to Rs20,000.
He reiterated that QDA is committed to facilitating the province’s business community and announced that the auction of plots in the mentioned areas will be held at Milan Marriage Hall on Sariab Road, Quetta, from 9:00 AM onwards.