Balochistan CM Urges Investors to Prioritize Local Employment in Industrial Projects
Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has emphasized that investor companies should make providing employment to local skilled workers their top priority while undertaking industrial projects in the province.
The statement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Tuesday at the Chief Minister Secretariat, focusing on low-BTU gas-based industrial projects in Balochistan. The meeting finalized plans to commence commercial operations of these projects after completing technical feasibility studies and approved the issuance of Expressions of Interest (EOI) in newspapers for both domestic and foreign investors.
The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Planning & Development Zahid Saleem, Secretary Energy Dawood Khan Bazai, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, Principal Secretary to CM Babar Khan, and other senior officials, discussed the proposed installation of industrial plants in Margand gas field in District Kalat and the Zin gas field in Sui. The projects include fertilizer, cement, energy, ceramics, and other value-added industries, aimed at harnessing local resources to promote sustainable economic activity in the province.
Addressing the participants, CM Bugti highlighted that these projects would not only significantly boost tax revenue but also create extensive employment opportunities for local youth, strengthening the provincial economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging Balochistan’s abundant natural resources for industrial development and economic self-reliance.
The Chief Minister also directed that the investment process be made transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly to further enhance confidence among serious investors. The meeting decided that advertisements for EOIs related to gas fields would be published promptly, and a comprehensive assessment of potential sites, infrastructure, and logistics would be conducted to ensure effective implementation of the proposed industrial plants.
