Balochistan Province

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan Gwadar is set to undergo a significant transformation under the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, with plans to develop the city into a Smart Port City by 2026, according to Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal. The initiative aims to integrate modern urban planning, coastal economic development, and infrastructure expansion, with a clear focus on enhancing the value, usability, and sustainability of land and property in Gwadar. The development framework envisions the provision of essential urban services including clean water supply, reliable electricity, modern healthcare, and education facilities. These measures are intended to ensure that residential and commercial zones are well serviced and capable of supporting long term urban growth. The projects form part of a comprehensive urban planning strategy that positions Gwadar as a southern economic hub, driven by fisheries, marine services, logistics, ship repair activities, and environmentally responsible tourism. Several key infrastructure projects are already operational or nearing completion. These include the Gwadar Port Desalination Plant, which supplies fresh water to the city, and the Pakistan China Friendship Hospital, which offers modern healthcare facilities aligned with international standards. Together, these developments are expected to strengthen the attractiveness of urban land, encourage real estate investment, and support the creation of planned residential and commercial districts. Human capital development is also a central component of the transformation strategy. The former sub campus of Turbat University has been upgraded to the University of Gwadar, expanding access to higher education for the local population and contributing to urban growth through the development of a skilled workforce. Minister Iqbal emphasised that Gwadar’s transformation is designed to be inclusive, with active participation from local fishermen, youth, and women. This approach seeks to ensure that urban expansion and coastal development generate direct benefits for the local community. These initiatives are expected to bring greater stability to property markets, improve land use planning, and facilitate the emergence of structured residential and commercial areas across the city. Overall, Gwadar’s development under CPEC Phase II reflects a strategic alignment of urban planning, land development, and coastal infrastructure investment, positioning the city as a modern economic centre while steadily increasing the long term value and resilience of its land and property assets.

Zhob | ReNews Pakistan In Zhob city, the Zhob All Parties Action Committee (APAC) held a partial shutter‑down strike against the government decision to merge Sherani District into Zhob. As a result, business activities in the city were partially disrupted, with several commercial centers and shops remaining closed. Citizens expressed solidarity with the protestors during the strike. APAC leaders stated that Sherani District has its own distinct identity and administrative status, and merging it into Zhob is a violation of local rights. They emphasized that the decision was made without public consultation and ignored the sentiments of the people, which is unacceptable. According to the committee, the next phase of the protest will take place on Sunday, 25 January, when the Quetta National Highway at New Adda, Zhob, will be blocked to put pressure on the government and relevant authorities. Leaders urged citizens and shopkeepers to actively participate to safeguard their legitimate rights. Sherani District is historically and geographically a distinct area. The local population has consistently demanded separate administrative recognition and participation in local decision-making. APAC warned that merging Sherani into Zhob could complicate administrative processes and negatively affect the rights and resources of local residents. Civic circles have stated that this step may lead to administrative tensions at the local level and could impact development projects in the area. The protestors’ goal is to make the government aware of the importance of respecting public sentiments and rights, ensuring that future decisions are made transparently and through consultation. APAC further stated that they will continue to raise their voices through peaceful protests and encouraged citizens to participate responsibly. Meanwhile, the police and administration have implemented security measures at protest sites to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and to prevent any harm to the public.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan In a move to modernise urban governance and improve the delivery of civic services, the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta has launched a digital helpline and citizen complaint management system, offering residents a streamlined platform to report municipal issues and monitor their resolution. The system was inaugurated by the Secretary Local Government Balochistan, Rauf Baloch, alongside the Administrator Metropolitan Corporation Quetta, Mujib ur Rehman Qambrani, at a ceremony held at the corporation’s offices. During the event, officials presented a live demonstration outlining how complaints are registered, digitally routed to the relevant departments, and monitored until resolution. Authorities said the system is designed to reduce delays, improve coordination among departments, and strengthen accountability across municipal operations. A dedicated toll free number, 0800 09999, has been introduced to allow citizens to lodge complaints related to sanitation, drainage, roads, water supply, street lighting, and other municipal services. The IT branch of the corporation explained that complaints will be tracked through a central digital dashboard, enabling real time monitoring from submission to action taken. Senior administrators will use the dashboard to assess departmental performance, ensure transparency, and prevent complaints from remaining unresolved or delayed. Alongside the grievance redressal mechanism, officials also briefed the secretary on the Metropolitan Corporation’s newly introduced online revenue monitoring system. The platform is intended to digitally record and monitor all municipal revenue streams, supporting accurate bookkeeping, improved financial oversight, and more effective resource management. Officials said stronger revenue tracking would help the corporation plan infrastructure upgrades and civic improvements more efficiently, particularly in areas related to urban services, land use management, and municipal facilities. Speaking at the ceremony, Rauf Baloch said the provincial government was promoting digitalisation across departments as part of broader governance reforms. He added that technology driven systems for complaint handling and financial monitoring could significantly enhance transparency, operational efficiency, and public confidence in municipal institutions. Authorities expressed optimism that the initiatives would lead to measurable improvements in urban management and service delivery for Quetta’s residents, while strengthening the institutional capacity of the Metropolitan Corporation.