Ahmed Khan Malik

The Balochistan government is working on a comprehensive plan to revamp the provincial economic growth model to unlock the province’s vast resource potential, diversify its economy, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

The redesigned framework will focus on sustainable development, improved governance, and stronger linkages between provincial industries and national and regional markets, people associated with the plan told WealthPK.

Balochistan’s economy has long been dependent on extractive industries such as mining and quarrying, with limited downstream processing and minimal value addition within the province. The new plan aims to broaden the economic base by strengthening agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, as well as small-scale manufacturing, while also promoting renewable energy projects.

“The revamp will prioritise community participation, local employment, and environmental safeguards. We want growth that is faster and fairer,” said Jan Buledi, Additional Director at the Planning and Development Department, stressing that Balochistan’s natural wealth must translate into jobs, better services, and an improved quality of life for its people. He said improved infrastructure is a key pillar of the new model.

Plans are underway to expand road networks, upgrade provincial highways, and modernise border trade facilities, particularly at major crossing points with Iran and Afghanistan. The provincial government is also working with federal authorities to better connect industrial and mining zones with ports and highways. Digital connectivity is also on the agenda, with projects to expand broadband and mobile coverage to rural districts.

These initiatives aim to integrate remote communities into the wider economic system and enable digital services such as e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education. Buledi noted that Balochistan holds significant deposits of copper, gold, marble, and other minerals. The revamped model seeks to ensure that mineral extraction is coupled with local processing facilities so that more of the value chain is captured within the province.

Investment incentives, public-private partnerships, and streamlined licensing are being planned to attract responsible investors. Officials have also emphasised the importance of transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms with local communities to ease tensions over resource control and create a sense of shared benefit from large-scale projects.

A provincial economy review shows that agriculture and livestock remain the main source of income for most rural households. The new model includes targeted programmes for water-efficient irrigation, improved seed distribution, livestock health services, and cold storage facilities for perishable goods. In coastal districts, upgrades to fishing harbours and the introduction of modern processing units are expected to raise exports and incomes for fishing communities.

Recognising that economic diversification requires a skilled workforce, the government plans to invest in vocational training institutes, technical colleges, and scholarship programmes. “Priority will be given to skills relevant to mining technology, renewable energy, logistics, and agribusiness,” Buledi said, expressing confidence that this focus will reduce youth unemployment and enable more locals to take on specialised roles in emerging industries.

To attract private capital, the government is drafting reforms to simplify business registration, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve security in industrial areas. Special economic zones are being mapped out with dedicated power supplies, water facilities, and one-stop service centres for investors.

Credit: INP-WealthPk