Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The chairman of the MCC Huaye Duddar Mining Project has urged the federal and Balochistan governments to introduce comprehensive tax reforms and simplify administrative procedures, warning that the current taxation regime and bureaucratic hurdles are limiting foreign investment and slowing the growth of the province’s mining industry.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Duddar mining project, Chairman Zhang Liangeng, also known as Hopang, said the company continues to face significant operational challenges due to multiple taxes and administrative requirements imposed by both the federal and provincial governments. He stressed that the existing regulatory framework increases costs, delays business operations and reduces the competitiveness of mining projects in Pakistan.
Zhang said Balochistan possesses vast mineral resources with the potential to attract substantial international investment, create employment opportunities and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development. However, he warned that investors require a predictable, transparent and business-friendly policy environment before committing long-term capital to large-scale mining ventures.
He noted that although the federal government had granted the Duddar mining project Export Processing Zone (EPZ) status to facilitate exports and provide tax incentives, the project continues to bear a federal tax burden of up to 42 percent. According to Zhang, such a high level of taxation is inconsistent with the objectives of the EPZ incentive framework and undermines the effectiveness of measures designed to encourage foreign investment.
Calling for a review of existing taxation policies, Zhang urged policymakers to rationalise taxes, remove unnecessary procedural barriers and create a more supportive investment climate for the mining sector. He said policy reforms would not only improve the viability of existing projects but also encourage new foreign investors to explore Balochistan’s untapped mineral potential.
Industry observers believe that improving the regulatory environment, ensuring policy consistency and reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles could help Pakistan attract greater international investment into its mining sector, strengthening exports, generating employment and supporting long-term economic growth.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan government has announced a major restructuring of the province’s administrative map, creating new divisions, districts and tehsils, while dividing Quetta district into eastern and western parts. Urban development and real estate experts say the revised administrative boundaries could have far-reaching implications for land use, housing projects, commercial activity and basic infrastructure development.
According to a notification issued by the Revenue Department, the number of divisions in Balochistan has increased to 11, while the total number of districts has risen to 41. The administrative changes came into effect following the issuance of the notification on July 8.
Experts say the creation of new districts and tehsils will require separate master plans, development budgets, land record systems and municipal structures for the affected areas. The process could generate investment opportunities in new housing schemes, commercial centres, roads, government offices and public facilities.
Under the new administrative arrangement, Quetta district has been divided along the railway line. Eastern Quetta will include Saddar, City and Sariab, while Western Quetta will comprise Kuchlak and adjoining areas. A new Brewery tehsil has also been established.
Real estate experts believe that the creation of separate eastern and western Quetta districts could improve urban administration, land classification, building approvals and property records. The expansion of basic services in Kuchlak, Sariab and the city’s peripheral areas may also increase demand for residential and commercial land.
The government has transferred Mastung district from Kalat Division to Quetta Division. The move has drawn objections from some tribal and political leaders. However, urban development experts say Mastung’s inclusion in Quetta Division could improve its connectivity with major highways, urban services, housing projects and other development initiatives.
As part of the restructuring, Kalat Division has been abolished and replaced by two new divisions, Khuzdar and Lasbela. A new Wadh district has also been carved out of Khuzdar district. The creation of these administrative units is expected to accelerate the local allocation of development funds, strengthen land management and improve the implementation of infrastructure projects.
The notification also includes the establishment of new subdivisions and tehsils, changes to the names of certain districts and the redrawing of boundaries across several divisions.
Experts say the revised boundaries will make it essential to clarify and digitise land ownership and revenue records to reduce property disputes, unplanned construction and illegal housing schemes.
The provincial government says the reforms are intended to improve administrative efficiency and ensure the effective delivery of public services at the local level. Real estate experts, however, say the success of the new structure will depend on comprehensive master planning, transparent land records, effective building controls and the timely provision of essential urban infrastructure.

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Balochistan government has moved ahead with a comprehensive 10 year development vision for Gwadar aimed at transforming the coastal city into a modern, sustainable and globally competitive economic hub under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan.
A high level meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Mir Zahoor Buledi reviewed the proposed development program prepared by the Gwadar Development Authority, GDA. The plan focuses on infrastructure improvement, urban management, public facilities, environmental sustainability, tourism promotion and revenue generation for long-term institutional stability.
The meeting was attended by MPA Gwadar Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, Additional Chief Secretary Development Zahid Saleem, GDA Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan, Chief Engineer Federal Projects Dr Sajjad Baloch, Chief Engineer GDA Haji Syed Muhammad, Director Town Planning Shahid Ali, Chairman Tehsil Municipal Committee Gwadar Majid Johar and other senior officials.
During the briefing, GDA Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan presented details of the proposed 10 year program, which includes major infrastructure projects such as road expansion, new water supply lines, a 20 million gallon desalination plant, underground power cabling, solarization initiatives and tree plantation drives.
The plan also includes improvements in sewerage, drainage, fisheries-related infrastructure and civic services, along with tourism and recreational projects including Grab Beach Park, GDA Club, Foreigners Resort and Coastal Beach Resort.
Officials informed the meeting that the proposed development framework also covers the Central Business District, Special Economic Zone, GDA Housing Scheme and micro-level master planning. These initiatives are being aligned with the second phase of the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan for the period 2025 to 2035.
Speaking on the occasion, Mir Zahoor Buledi said Gwadar’s development must be based on local needs, public consultation and ground realities. He emphasized that development should not remain limited to mega infrastructure projects, but should directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, fishermen, youth and the local business community.
He directed the GDA to prepare practical business models and revenue generation schemes so the authority could achieve financial independence and ensure the long-term sustainability of its projects. He also instructed officials to rationalize the proposed program according to available resources and priority needs before submitting it to Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for final approval and implementation.
MPA Gwadar Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman appreciated the GDA’s completed schemes, particularly the restoration work in Old Town, which he said had improved infrastructure and drainage conditions. He noted that recent rains caused fewer problems compared to previous years, but several areas, including Gwadar city, Surbandar and Pishkan, still require urgent attention.
He said roads, sewerage and drainage systems in these areas should be given priority in the new development program to address the daily problems faced by local communities.
Chief Engineer Federal Projects Dr Sajjad Baloch called for special welfare projects for fishermen and assured that the federal government would provide funds for such initiatives. He also proposed completing the Gwadar Northern Bypass through the National Highway Authority to reduce traffic pressure and support future trade and transport activity.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advance Gwadar’s development in line with modern urban requirements, local priorities and community interests. Officials said the government’s broader vision is to turn Gwadar into a sustainable coastal city, a major economic center and a strategic gateway for Pakistan and the wider region.