Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has directed the expeditious completion of Balochistan’s road infrastructure projects, valued at Rs400 billion, within the next three years. This directive was issued during a review meeting to evaluate the progress of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects for 2024-25.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning provided a comprehensive briefing on the allocation, release, and expenditure of funds for PSDP projects nationwide. Addressing the session, the federal minister emphasized the need for a robust strategy to ensure the timely delivery of all ongoing PSDP initiatives.
Among the projects discussed, the Balochistan road infrastructure developments, collectively worth over Rs400 billion, were highlighted as a top priority. Iqbal instructed that these projects must adhere to the three-year completion timeline, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing development in the province.
The road projects include significant upgrades and dualisation efforts, such as the N-25 Khuzdar-Kuchlak section of the National Highway, and the dualisation and rehabilitation of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman route, encompassing the Karachi-Karoro, Wadh-Khuzdar, and Kararo-Wadh to Kuchlak-Chaman sections. These projects alone are estimated to cost Rs224 billion.
Other critical projects in the region involve the M-8, including the construction of the Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar Section-II and Hoshab-Awaran-Kiwzer Package-I, as well as the Gwadar-Ratodero road project and the Wangu Hills Tunnel, with a combined cost of Rs96 billion. Additionally, two major projects—the dualisation and improvement of the existing N-50 from Yarik-Sagu-Zhob Bypass, costing Rs76 billion, and the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Awaran-Jhal Jao Road at Rs7 billion—are set to bolster connectivity and development across Balochistan.
To further expedite development, the minister directed the prioritisation of projects that are nearing completion, particularly those with 80% progress, ensuring the necessary funds are allocated promptly. He also highlighted the need to complete externally funded initiatives swiftly to free up resources for new projects in the next PSDP cycle.
In line with the government’s “5Es” framework and the objectives of the upcoming five-year development plan, the minister assured that the PSDP for the next fiscal year would prioritize projects aligning with these goals, reflecting the government’s strategic focus on sustainable progress and economic growth.
