Quetta Division

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan Communication and Works (C&W) Department has ordered officials to accelerate construction work on road projects across the province, particularly schemes being implemented under Phases I and II of the Balochistan Socio-Economic Development Programme, as the provincial government seeks to improve connectivity in remote and underdeveloped areas.
The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by C&W Secretary Babar Khan, where progress on ongoing road-sector development schemes was assessed and officials were instructed to address delays and improve the pace of execution.
Senior engineers, project coordinators and district-level officers from different parts of Balochistan attended the meeting and briefed the secretary on the physical progress of projects being carried out under the two phases of the socio-economic development programme.
During the review, Babar Khan made it clear that completing development schemes within the current fiscal year remains one of the department’s key priorities. Where conditions permit, officials have also been encouraged to complete projects ahead of their scheduled deadlines.
The secretary expressed concern over slow progress on some critical road schemes and warned that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated. Officials responsible for the affected projects were directed to accelerate construction activities, strengthen project management and ensure that implementation remains on schedule.
The renewed push places particular emphasis on road infrastructure serving remote and less-developed parts of Balochistan, where limited connectivity can restrict access to major cities, markets and essential public services.
According to the department, timely completion of these schemes is expected to improve links between remote communities and urban centres, making the movement of people and goods easier while strengthening access to economic and social opportunities.
Improved road connectivity is particularly significant for Balochistan because of the province’s vast geographical area and widely dispersed population. Road infrastructure remains a critical link for communities located far from major urban centres, making timely execution of development projects important for reducing regional connectivity gaps.
Babar Khan stressed that infrastructure development should translate into tangible benefits for communities rather than remaining limited to project approvals and construction targets. He directed officials to ensure that people in far-flung areas receive the benefits of development schemes without unnecessary delays.
The department also linked improved infrastructure with broader economic development and stability in the province. Better roads can facilitate commercial activity, reduce travel difficulties and improve links between rural and urban areas, potentially supporting local businesses and economic activity along newly developed or upgraded corridors.
At the same time, the C&W secretary emphasised that faster execution should not come at the expense of construction standards. The department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, efficiency and quality throughout the implementation of road-sector projects.
Officials have consequently been tasked with closely monitoring ongoing schemes and resolving administrative or execution-related obstacles that could affect completion schedules.
The latest directions signal increased pressure on implementing officials to convert allocated development spending into completed infrastructure within the fiscal year, with the department focusing simultaneously on speed, construction quality and accountability.
For Balochistan’s remote communities, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether the accelerated execution translates into completed and functional road links that provide better access to cities, markets, services and economic opportunities.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The chairman of the MCC Huaye Duddar Mining Project has urged the federal and Balochistan governments to introduce comprehensive tax reforms and simplify administrative procedures, warning that the current taxation regime and bureaucratic hurdles are limiting foreign investment and slowing the growth of the province’s mining industry.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Duddar mining project, Chairman Zhang Liangeng, also known as Hopang, said the company continues to face significant operational challenges due to multiple taxes and administrative requirements imposed by both the federal and provincial governments. He stressed that the existing regulatory framework increases costs, delays business operations and reduces the competitiveness of mining projects in Pakistan.
Zhang said Balochistan possesses vast mineral resources with the potential to attract substantial international investment, create employment opportunities and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development. However, he warned that investors require a predictable, transparent and business-friendly policy environment before committing long-term capital to large-scale mining ventures.
He noted that although the federal government had granted the Duddar mining project Export Processing Zone (EPZ) status to facilitate exports and provide tax incentives, the project continues to bear a federal tax burden of up to 42 percent. According to Zhang, such a high level of taxation is inconsistent with the objectives of the EPZ incentive framework and undermines the effectiveness of measures designed to encourage foreign investment.
Calling for a review of existing taxation policies, Zhang urged policymakers to rationalise taxes, remove unnecessary procedural barriers and create a more supportive investment climate for the mining sector. He said policy reforms would not only improve the viability of existing projects but also encourage new foreign investors to explore Balochistan’s untapped mineral potential.
Industry observers believe that improving the regulatory environment, ensuring policy consistency and reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles could help Pakistan attract greater international investment into its mining sector, strengthening exports, generating employment and supporting long-term economic growth.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan government has announced a major restructuring of the province’s administrative map, creating new divisions, districts and tehsils, while dividing Quetta district into eastern and western parts. Urban development and real estate experts say the revised administrative boundaries could have far-reaching implications for land use, housing projects, commercial activity and basic infrastructure development.
According to a notification issued by the Revenue Department, the number of divisions in Balochistan has increased to 11, while the total number of districts has risen to 41. The administrative changes came into effect following the issuance of the notification on July 8.
Experts say the creation of new districts and tehsils will require separate master plans, development budgets, land record systems and municipal structures for the affected areas. The process could generate investment opportunities in new housing schemes, commercial centres, roads, government offices and public facilities.
Under the new administrative arrangement, Quetta district has been divided along the railway line. Eastern Quetta will include Saddar, City and Sariab, while Western Quetta will comprise Kuchlak and adjoining areas. A new Brewery tehsil has also been established.
Real estate experts believe that the creation of separate eastern and western Quetta districts could improve urban administration, land classification, building approvals and property records. The expansion of basic services in Kuchlak, Sariab and the city’s peripheral areas may also increase demand for residential and commercial land.
The government has transferred Mastung district from Kalat Division to Quetta Division. The move has drawn objections from some tribal and political leaders. However, urban development experts say Mastung’s inclusion in Quetta Division could improve its connectivity with major highways, urban services, housing projects and other development initiatives.
As part of the restructuring, Kalat Division has been abolished and replaced by two new divisions, Khuzdar and Lasbela. A new Wadh district has also been carved out of Khuzdar district. The creation of these administrative units is expected to accelerate the local allocation of development funds, strengthen land management and improve the implementation of infrastructure projects.
The notification also includes the establishment of new subdivisions and tehsils, changes to the names of certain districts and the redrawing of boundaries across several divisions.
Experts say the revised boundaries will make it essential to clarify and digitise land ownership and revenue records to reduce property disputes, unplanned construction and illegal housing schemes.
The provincial government says the reforms are intended to improve administrative efficiency and ensure the effective delivery of public services at the local level. Real estate experts, however, say the success of the new structure will depend on comprehensive master planning, transparent land records, effective building controls and the timely provision of essential urban infrastructure.