Balochistan Cabinet Approves Scholarship Program, Harnai–Sibi Road Project, and Upgrade of Tameer-e-Nau College to University

QUETTA: Balochistan ministers Mir Zahoor Buledi and Mir Ziaullah Langove announced that the provincial cabinet has approved a series of major development, education, and infrastructure initiatives, including scholarships for workers’ children, the Harnai–Sibi Road project, the upgradation of Tameer-e-Nau College into a university, and the establishment of a tri-state gas terminal in Gwadar.

Speaking at a press conference following the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the ministers said the cabinet reviewed a 26-point agenda covering development projects, security, education, and governance.

Mir Zahoor Buledi said the cabinet approved Phase III of the Workers Welfare Board Scholarship Program, under which 300 children will receive educational scholarships. He added that 781 students have benefited from the program so far.

The cabinet also approved the release of Rs858 million for security arrangements for seven projects under the South Balochistan Package, which was launched in 2021.

Among the key decisions, the cabinet approved upgrading Tameer-e-Nau College to the status of a university and endorsed a joint financing plan for the Harnai–Sibi Road project. The road, estimated to cost Rs19 billion, will be completed through an 80:20 cost-sharing arrangement between the federal and provincial governments, with the federal government contributing more than Rs15 billion and the provincial government providing over Rs3 billion.

Buledi said the cabinet also approved amendments to the Balochistan Cadet Colleges Act, the Gwadar Development Authority Employees Service Rules, the Balochistan Child Protection Rules 2026, the establishment of a Child Protection Helpline, and the renewal of the Quetta Safe City Project Service Agreement.

The cabinet also approved the renewal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the PARCO Coastal Refinery project, subject to revised land charges based on current market rates and a commitment to begin investment within two years to establish a petrochemical industry expected to create employment opportunities.

In another major decision, the cabinet reviewed a proposal for a $14 billion Tri-State Gas Terminal in Gwadar with planned investment from Turkmenistan. The Senior Member of the Board of Revenue was directed to safeguard Balochistan’s interests in the project, which is expected to supply natural gas to Gwadar, Panjgur, Chagai, and Washuk districts.

The cabinet further approved granting ownership rights to residents of Kalanchi and New Town in Gwadar, the establishment of Kandhkot Tehsil and Sub-Division, and the elevation of Mizai and Masizai to the status of municipal committees.

Responding to questions, Mir Zahoor Buledi said the provincial government remains committed to creating a secure environment for investors and will ensure that PARCO proceeds with the refinery project under the revised conditions. He also said that while security challenges exist, they should not become an obstacle to economic development and investment.

Addressing security issues, Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said damaged Safe City surveillance cameras would be restored within ten days. He added that investigations into the Patel Road blast are continuing.

Commenting on the recent incident involving oil tankers in Chagai, Langove said around 400 tankers are currently waiting to move in a government-supervised convoy, while the tankers that were attacked had violated official convoy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The interior minister also reiterated that the government had not assured the Ziarat sit-in committee that the Levies Force would be restored. He said opposition parties should pursue the issue through Parliament if they seek legislative changes.