Balochistan Province

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced a comprehensive development package for the newly established Koh e Suleman Division, stating that the region’s elevation to divisional status will be accompanied by substantial investment in civic infrastructure, planned urban growth and improved public services. Addressing a large public gathering in Rakhni, now designated as the divisional headquarters, the chief minister said the area had remained neglected for decades due to weak administrative presence and limited public investment. He emphasised that the government’s objective was to link administrative restructuring with tangible development outcomes rather than symbolic change. Under the development package, the provincial government will establish a fifty bed hospital, complete a residential college and finalise construction of the Naharkot Dam to address water supply and irrigation needs. Rakhni will also be granted the status of a municipal committee, strengthening its local governance framework. The municipal body will be renamed Municipal Committee Dera Khetran. Additional initiatives include the immediate launch of the Rakhni Model Bazaar, development of a housing scheme and establishment of a press club to support civic participation and information access. These measures aim to formalise urban management, improve service delivery and introduce organised systems for land use, sanitation, markets and housing. Officials said the Model Bazaar and housing scheme are expected to stimulate local commerce, reduce informal settlements and encourage planned urban expansion. Improved municipal oversight is also expected to enhance revenue generation and maintenance of public facilities. The chief minister noted that the establishment of a divisional headquarters would bring government departments closer to residents, reduce travel time for public services and strengthen administrative coordination. He described the move as a step towards balanced regional development and better integration of remote districts into the provincial governance structure. Urban planners and development experts view the package as a foundation for structured growth in a historically underserved region, where the absence of basic municipal infrastructure has constrained investment and economic activity. Improved healthcare, education, water resources and market facilities are expected to raise living standards and support sustainable settlement patterns. The public gathering was attended by tribal elders, community representatives and local political leaders, reflecting broad support for the development agenda aimed at transforming Koh e Suleman into a functional administrative and service centre for surrounding districts.

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan Gwadar is set to undergo a significant transformation under the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, with plans to develop the city into a Smart Port City by 2026, according to Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal. The initiative aims to integrate modern urban planning, coastal economic development, and infrastructure expansion, with a clear focus on enhancing the value, usability, and sustainability of land and property in Gwadar. The development framework envisions the provision of essential urban services including clean water supply, reliable electricity, modern healthcare, and education facilities. These measures are intended to ensure that residential and commercial zones are well serviced and capable of supporting long term urban growth. The projects form part of a comprehensive urban planning strategy that positions Gwadar as a southern economic hub, driven by fisheries, marine services, logistics, ship repair activities, and environmentally responsible tourism. Several key infrastructure projects are already operational or nearing completion. These include the Gwadar Port Desalination Plant, which supplies fresh water to the city, and the Pakistan China Friendship Hospital, which offers modern healthcare facilities aligned with international standards. Together, these developments are expected to strengthen the attractiveness of urban land, encourage real estate investment, and support the creation of planned residential and commercial districts. Human capital development is also a central component of the transformation strategy. The former sub campus of Turbat University has been upgraded to the University of Gwadar, expanding access to higher education for the local population and contributing to urban growth through the development of a skilled workforce. Minister Iqbal emphasised that Gwadar’s transformation is designed to be inclusive, with active participation from local fishermen, youth, and women. This approach seeks to ensure that urban expansion and coastal development generate direct benefits for the local community. These initiatives are expected to bring greater stability to property markets, improve land use planning, and facilitate the emergence of structured residential and commercial areas across the city. Overall, Gwadar’s development under CPEC Phase II reflects a strategic alignment of urban planning, land development, and coastal infrastructure investment, positioning the city as a modern economic centre while steadily increasing the long term value and resilience of its land and property assets.

Zhob | ReNews Pakistan In Zhob city, the Zhob All Parties Action Committee (APAC) held a partial shutter‑down strike against the government decision to merge Sherani District into Zhob. As a result, business activities in the city were partially disrupted, with several commercial centers and shops remaining closed. Citizens expressed solidarity with the protestors during the strike. APAC leaders stated that Sherani District has its own distinct identity and administrative status, and merging it into Zhob is a violation of local rights. They emphasized that the decision was made without public consultation and ignored the sentiments of the people, which is unacceptable. According to the committee, the next phase of the protest will take place on Sunday, 25 January, when the Quetta National Highway at New Adda, Zhob, will be blocked to put pressure on the government and relevant authorities. Leaders urged citizens and shopkeepers to actively participate to safeguard their legitimate rights. Sherani District is historically and geographically a distinct area. The local population has consistently demanded separate administrative recognition and participation in local decision-making. APAC warned that merging Sherani into Zhob could complicate administrative processes and negatively affect the rights and resources of local residents. Civic circles have stated that this step may lead to administrative tensions at the local level and could impact development projects in the area. The protestors’ goal is to make the government aware of the importance of respecting public sentiments and rights, ensuring that future decisions are made transparently and through consultation. APAC further stated that they will continue to raise their voices through peaceful protests and encouraged citizens to participate responsibly. Meanwhile, the police and administration have implemented security measures at protest sites to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and to prevent any harm to the public.