Balochistan Province

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.

Gwadar: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Government of Balochistan has formally initiated work on a low cost housing scheme in Gwadar aimed at providing affordable homes for low income fishermen, marking another step in the province’s efforts to improve living standards and support inclusive urban development in the strategic coastal city.
The project has entered the land demarcation phase, with work beginning on July 8 under the supervision of the district administration following directives issued by the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA). Survey teams are currently marking project boundaries and carrying out technical assessments to prepare the site for future development.
Earlier this year, the provincial government allocated more than 200 acres of land for the scheme, which is estimated to cost PKR 2.44 billion. The housing project is located near the intersection of Jiwani Avenue and Awaran Avenue, close to the Gwadar Sports Complex, an area identified for planned residential expansion under the city's master plan.
According to project details, the development will include 2,970 residential plots, each measuring 120 square yards, which will be allocated to eligible fishermen to help address the housing needs of low income families dependent on the fishing industry.
A joint team comprising officials from the Gwadar Development Authority, district administration and law enforcement agencies is overseeing the demarcation process. Authorities are installing boundary markers, conducting land surveys and inspecting the area for illegal encroachments to ensure the project proceeds without delays.
Officials have also directed individuals occupying government land unlawfully to vacate the site, warning that legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the instructions.
The Gwadar Development Authority said the housing initiative forms an integral part of the Gwadar Master Plan and reflects the government's commitment to providing secure and affordable housing for local fishing communities. Authorities believe the project will not only improve the quality of life for thousands of families but also contribute to the city's long term, planned urban growth and sustainable development.

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.