Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government has formulated a comprehensive development plan focused on industrialisation to transform the province’s economic landscape.The plan seeks to harness the province’s untapped natural resources, strategic location, and human capital to create a diversified, resilient, and inclusive industrial economy.

The vision outlines a roadmap to promote investment in key sectors, improve infrastructure, and create employment opportunities through sustainable industrial growth. It aligns with national development goals and aims to reduce the province’s reliance on federal transfers by strengthening its own revenue base.
      
"Balochistan possesses immense potential in minerals, agriculture, energy, and trade due to its geographic proximity to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Gwadar Port. This development vision is our blueprint for translating that potential into economic growth and prosperity," said Wasi Shah, Director of Planning and Development Board. He told WealthPK that the plan focuses on establishing industrial zones, modernising transport and energy infrastructure, and promoting public-private partnerships. “Special attention is being given to the development of small and medium enterprises, particularly in districts with high unemployment and low economic activity,” he said.

“One of the central components of the industrialisation vision is the expansion and operationalisation of the Bostan and Hub Special Economic Zones (SEZs). These SEZs are expected to serve as hubs for manufacturing, value addition, and logistics, offering fiscal incentives to attract both local and foreign investors,” Wasi Shah said.

"The government is also exploring the potential of mineral processing units, food packaging industries, and marble and granite value chains, which are abundant in the region," he added. The director said that the vision emphasises the need for reliable infrastructure to support industrial growth. “Projects to improve road connectivity, expand power transmission networks, and upgrade water supply systems are being prioritised. In particular, the Quetta Industrial Estate is set for modernisation, while feasibility studies are underway for new industrial parks in areas such as Khuzdar, Turbat, and Loralai.”

“Human resource development is another key pillar of the vision,” he said. The Balochistan government is planning to establish technical and vocational training institutes near industrial clusters to provide youth with skills tailored to local industry needs, he added. “Scholarships, job placement programmes, and partnerships with industry players are being considered to strengthen the talent pipeline.”

“Transparency and governance reforms are also part of the broader vision,” Shah said and added that work is underway on regulatory frameworks to reduce red tape, digitise business processes, and improve ease of doing business in the province. “The government plans to establish a One-Window Operation for investors to facilitate industrial licensing, land allocation, and utilities access.” Zaman Majeed, member of Othal Industrial Forum, said Balochistan had long remained under-industrialised despite its natural endowments.

“A clear and well-executed industrial vision can stimulate private investment, increase exports, and bring long-term stability to the province,” he said. “However, challenges remain. Security concerns, lack of investor confidence, and gaps in basic services such as electricity and water could hinder progress,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk