Balochistan’s road infrastructure projects set for completion within 3 years

ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, has instructed relevant authorities to finalize road infrastructure projects in Balochistan, valued at Rs400 billion, within the next three years. During a meeting held at the P-Block Secretariat, he reviewed the progress of 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.

At the meeting, the minister emphasized the need for a detailed strategy to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing PSDP initiatives. The Balochistan road infrastructure projects, totaling over Rs400 billion, must meet the three-year completion timeline. Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing development efforts in Balochistan.

Among these projects are the dualization of the Khuzdar-Kuchlak section of National Highway N-25 and the dualization and rehabilitation of the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman road from Karachi to Karoro, as well as the dualization of the Kararo-Wadh Section and Kuchlak-Chaman Section, collectively costing Rs224 billion. Additional M-8 projects include constructing the Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar Section-II, the Hoshab-Awaran-Kiwzer Package-I, the Gwadar-Ratodero road, and the Wangu Hills Tunnel, totaling Rs96 billion. Furthermore, two other projects under consideration are the dualization and enhancement of the existing N-50 from Yarik-Sagu-Zhob Bypass, which is estimated at Rs76 billion, and the rehabilitation and upgrading of the long Awaran-JhaliJao Road, valued at Rs7 billion.

The minister called on the Planning Ministry to ensure the timely use of funds allocated to other ministries under the development budget and stressed the importance of coordinating with ministries regarding their financial needs for the upcoming quarter, especially concerning externally funded projects, to prevent any delays in fund distribution.

Iqbal highlighted the need to prioritize projects that are nearing completion, directing that those at 80% completion should receive expedited funding. Additionally, he asserted that externally funded projects should be completed swiftly to make way for new initiatives in the next PSDP. He indicated that the forthcoming PSDP for the next fiscal year would align with the ‘5Es’ framework and the goals of the five-year development plan, giving priority to projects that meet these criteria.

The minister underscored the significance of PSDP projects not only for national development but also for public welfare and urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of these initiatives so that their benefits can reach the public without unnecessary delays.