Work Underway on Quetta Development Package, But Concerns Persist

Islamabad:The ongoing development project in Quetta under the Quetta Development Package is focused on expanding various roads, including Saryab Road, Subzal Road, Zarghoon Road, Double Road, and surrounding areas. The project aims to widen these roads into dual carriageways, install dividers and streetlights, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the city.
Project Director of the Quetta Development Package, Rafique Ahmed, spoke with V News, stating that the project was first announced in 2017 during former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Balochistan. The plan involves connecting five major roads, including Saryab Road, Subzal Road, Link Badini Road, Joint Road, and a road leading from the Radio Tower to the bypass on both sides of the city.
Ahmed explained that during Imran Khan’s tenure, the project was removed from the Federal PSDP, but former Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan later included it in the Provincial PSDP. After three years of efforts, work officially began in 2020.
He further noted that the government had allocated 32 billion rupees for the project, but so far only 40% of the budget has been utilized, with 90-95% of the work completed. The project is expected to be completed soon and is believed to have the potential to transform Balochistan’s future.
Rafique Ahmed also pointed out that some elements on social media were attempting to discredit the project, but he assured that it would provide immense benefits to the public.
On the other hand, residents of Quetta have expressed mixed opinions about the project. Speaking with V News, local citizen Ahmad Nawaz shared that while several major roads are being turned into dual carriageways, the quality of the work does not meet international standards. Recently constructed roads have already started to deteriorate at the edges.
Experts believe that while the Quetta Development Package may improve the infrastructure, it will not solve the city’s pressing issues. They argue that the city’s challenges cannot be addressed merely by widening roads. Instead, real solutions lie in providing better employment opportunities and ensuring access to essential services such as education, healthcare, electricity, gas, and water.
Experts also stress that the safety and security of citizens are paramount. While previous beautification projects in the city have been launched, they too have failed to have a lasting impact. The government, they suggest, should focus on providing basic amenities rather than simply upgrading roads.