Balochistan Province

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.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
Opposition leaders and tribal elders have strongly rejected the Balochistan government’s plan to create new districts and divisions, expressing serious concerns over the decision and announcing a joint strategy to oppose the move.
The decision was made during a meeting held at Sarawan House in Quetta, which was presided over by former Balochistan chief minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani. The meeting was attended by central and provincial leaders of several political parties.
Participants included Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai, Central Secretary of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party; Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Central Secretary General; Qahar Khan Wadan, Provincial President; Aslam Baloch, Provincial President of the National Party; Changiz Hai Baloch, Provincial General Secretary; and Malik Faisal Dahwar, General Secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Balochistan, among others.
The participants termed the government’s plan unnecessary and illogical, stating that local leadership and political stakeholders had not been taken into confidence. They argued that attempts to alter the historical and geographical significance of districts through mergers and administrative changes could create further complications.
The leaders warned that such decisions could lead to unrest and confusion in the province, which they said would not be acceptable to genuine political leadership and parties.
The meeting decided to form a united front against the government’s decision and to raise the issue at every available forum. Participants also agreed that legal options, including approaching the courts, would be considered if necessary.
They also expressed concern that certain government actions could create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun-allied communities. However, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the concerns of both communities and working collectively to maintain harmony and resolve disputes.

Quetta: ReNews Pakistan
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has underscored the need for the Gwadar Development Authority to move towards financial sustainability, stressing that development institutions must strengthen their internal revenue mechanisms to support long-term urban growth in Gwadar.
The remarks were made while presiding over the 31st meeting of the GDA governing body, where the chief minister reviewed progress on ongoing development schemes, civic infrastructure projects, and future planning for the coastal city’s urban expansion.
During the session, the governing body approved the authority’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The chief minister also directed the finance department to conduct a special audit of the authority’s accounts to ensure transparency and financial discipline, with a detailed report to be presented at the next meeting.
Expressing concern over the authority’s financial structure, CM Bugti noted that the GDA currently generates around Rs70 million in annual revenue, while its expenditures reach approximately Rs870 million, creating a significant fiscal gap. He emphasised that development bodies must gradually reduce reliance on government funding by strengthening resource mobilisation and institutional efficiency.
The chief minister further announced administrative and institutional reforms aimed at transforming the authority into a more proactive development agency capable of effectively managing Gwadar’s urban planning and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the governing body approved feasibility studies for infrastructure improvement projects, including the upgradation of drainage systems, sewerage networks, road infrastructure, and street development in low-lying areas of the city. These schemes are expected to be incorporated into the next fiscal year’s development programme to enhance civic facilities and support sustainable urban development in Gwadar.