Emphasizing Growth, Hope, and Progress: Balochistan's Vision within CPEC Unveiled at NDC Meeting
In a landmark event, Prime Minister Imran Khan presided over the inaugural meeting of the National Development Council (NDC), focusing primarily on the socio-economic uplift of Balochistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. This pivotal gathering took place at the Prime Minister's Office.
During this meeting, significant decisions were made. The NDC granted approval for feasibility studies regarding a new port in Gadani and the establishment of a specialized economic zone in Hub. Moreover, it gave the green light to the formation of the National Coastal Development Authority, tasked with the development of tourist resorts along the coastal areas of Balochistan, including Jiwani, Gwadar, Pasni, Makola, Ormara, Kund Malir, Hingol Park, and Miani Hor.
Concerning port development, the forum endorsed a proposal to enhance connectivity through the development of eight landing sites and fostering the local boat industry by providing 10,000 eco-friendly boats.
Addressing the utilization of Balochistan's mineral wealth, the forum announced a division of the province into four zones—Chagai, Quetta-Duki, Khuzdar-Lasbela, and Coastal Zone. This would create a conducive environment for private investments in large-scale mining.
The meeting also emphasized increasing annual development spending in Balochistan over the next nine years. This strategic move aims to tackle infrastructure challenges, reduce budget deficits, and enhance revenue generation capabilities within the province.
In terms of infrastructure development, the participants discussed projects such as the M-8 Motorway, the 819-km Chaman-Quetta-Karachi Motorway, Basima-Khuzdar Road, and the 124-km Awaran-Bela Road. These projects promise to significantly improve connectivity and communication infrastructure in the region.
The forum received updates on efforts to boost the oil and gas sector, including the exploration of new blocks—Block-28, Zhob, Zorgarh, Jandran, and Kohlu—and seismic surveys at 30 onshore sites.
Additionally, the meeting featured discussions on plans to enhance agriculture and water management practices in Balochistan.
To expedite CPEC projects, the forum granted its principal approval for the constitution of the CPEC Authority.
In reference to Gwadar's development and master plan, the forum endorsed the conceptual framework for the Gwadar Special Economic District.
The NDC also delved into the 'Accelerated 10-Year Development Plan' for the erstwhile Fata.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to provide allocated funds to agencies executing development projects, including Nespak, the FWO, and the NHA, and to facilitate the screening of NGOs operating in tribal districts.
Moreover, participants were briefed on measures to enhance the security environment in Balochistan, with a particular focus on border management and strengthening the state's authority.
The meeting boasted a distinguished roster of attendees, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Planning Minister Khusro Bakhtiar, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood, Finance Adviser Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, MNA Asad Umar, and the Southern Command commander, among others.