CM Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti Addresses the Balochistan Strategy Summit, Highlights Development Challenges and Opportunities

Quetta:Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, addressed the participants of the Balochistan Strategy Summit via video link, emphasizing the challenge of developing Balochistan, which spans 43% of Pakistan’s landmass, with limited development resources amounting to just 220 billion rupees. He acknowledged that many of the province’s issues stem from the mismanagement of the Provincial Annual Development Program (PSDP), which could be a subject of PhD research due to its complexities.

In his address, CM Bugti pointed out that 78% of the developmental schemes were included in the budget after technical approval last year. He assured that in the upcoming budget, 100% of approved schemes would be incorporated. Despite a historical implementation rate of 40%, he reported a significant improvement in the current government’s tenure, where the implementation rate has reached 68% in February 2025, with an expected increase to 90-92% by June 2025.

Talking about global investments, the Chief Minister shared an anecdote from his conversation with an American investor at the Davos conference, who compared Mexico’s development to Balochistan’s potential. He emphasized that Balochistan can learn from Mexico’s experiences and move forward by utilizing business opportunities. He called on the business community and international and national NGOs to step up, as the government cannot solve all problems alone.

Regarding the Reko Diq project, CM Bugti revealed that Barrick Gold Corporation had requested land for water reservoirs. In response, the government has decided to build its own dams to supply water to the project. Additionally, he mentioned that countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are showing interest in investing in various regions of Balochistan, including Nokkundi and Reko Diq, and the government plans to provide industrial estates, housing schemes, and all necessary facilities to investors.

Bugti also provided updates on the establishment of the Balochistan Bank, which is progressing with a feasibility report from the consultants. He assured that this bank will make financial transactions easier for the business community. Until its establishment, the government’s autonomous bodies are encouraging private banks to assist local businesses.

Addressing issues in the mining sector, CM Bugti mentioned that the sector is not generating sufficient revenue, but efforts are being made to improve it. He announced that the government has granted industry status to the mining sector, which will facilitate worker welfare board registration for mining workers and streamline the licensing process.

On energy issues, the Chief Minister emphasized that Balochistan has Asia’s best wind corridor and is working on solar and wind energy projects. The government is establishing solar parks under public-private partnerships to provide investors with electricity and gas to run their factories. The government can generate up to 49 MW of electricity and aims to supply affordable electricity to businesses through these solar parks.

CM Bugti also highlighted that through PSDP, 239,570 jobs could be created in Balochistan. He reiterated the government’s efforts to improve governance and vowed to provide investors with a seamless experience, offering land and basic facilities under a one-window operation without bureaucratic hurdles. He further stated that the government has taken steps to involve the Chamber of Commerce in decision-making processes and is sending a letter to the federal government to ensure proper representation at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

In terms of youth development, he announced that the provincial government, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, is running a Youth Skills Development Program under the public-private partnership model, guaranteeing employment instead of certificates. Additionally, the government is working to establish an advanced communication network in the province, supported by loans from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

The Chief Minister concluded by urging investors to not limit their investments to the Hub area, but to explore the coastal belt, Reko Diq, and other regions of Balochistan. He emphasized that Balochistan is a land of opportunities, with immense potential in sectors like gas, livestock, agriculture, and coastal blue economy. The development of these sectors will be crucial to the province’s future, and the government is committed to working alongside investors to drive progress.