18 Out of 23 Dam Projects in Balochistan Facing Significant Delays

The Senate Planning Committee, chaired by Senator Qurratulain Marri, was briefed on the progress of ongoing dam projects in Balochistan, revealing significant delays in the construction of 18 out of 23 ongoing dams in the province. The committee was informed that 14 dams have not been completed even after their completion deadlines have passed, and four dam projects are facing delays due to increased costs. Planning officials informed the committee that there are currently 23 dam projects underway in Balochistan, comprising 11 small and 12 large projects, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 182.83 billion. So far, Rs. 50.55 billion has been spent on these projects. For the current fiscal year, Rs. 22.38 billion was allocated for these 23 dam projects, out of which Rs. 5.31 billion has been released, and Rs. 4.86 billion has been utilized. Officials reported that the overall financial progress on the dam projects in Balochistan is only 21.7 percent. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, chaired by Senator Qurratulain Marri, convened to discuss the development projects in Gwadar. Officials from the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) briefed the committee on completed and ongoing development initiatives in the port city. Planning authorities stated that China provided the master plan for the motorway network after the commencement of CPEC. They also informed the committee that a 7-kilometer road on Kalamat Avenue has been completed, and a GDA school spanning 84 acres is also finished. Furthermore, a 50-bed GDA hospital is operational and has the potential for future expansion. GDA officials urged for increased funding for Gwadar to promote tourism. Senator Afnan Ullah, a committee member, proposed declaring Gwadar a tax-free zone, arguing that it would attract more investors, contrasting it with Pakistani investments in Dubai. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada emphasized the need to create an environment where Pakistanis invest in Gwadar instead of Dubai, suggesting that with attention, Gwadar could become a “shining star.” During the meeting, a member of the Planning Commission noted the higher security risks in Gwadar. Minister of State for Planning Erumghan Subhani expressed hope for overcoming these risks, stating that despite all risks in Pakistan, China is capable of better work. Senator Afnan Ullah questioned past expenditures on other projects and advocated for significant investment in Gwadar. The Planning Committee also proposed allocating more funds in the budget for tourism in Gwadar. The Senate Standing Committee expressed strong displeasure over the repeated absence of the Secretary of Communications from committee meetings. Senator Marri stated that the Secretary had failed to attend the last four meetings despite being summoned and was absent again today, even after promising to attend. The committee has decided to issue a summons for the Secretary to appear at the next meeting. Senator Marri noted that while all other federal secretaries personally inform the committee via phone about their inability to attend, the Secretary of Communications has never done so. Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) informed the committee that a financing proposal for the Motorway M-6 has been submitted to Azerbaijan. Minister of State for Planning Erumghan Subhani reiterated that the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway is a key priority for the government and that negotiations for funding are ongoing with the Islamic Development Bank and Azerbaijan. He emphasized the project’s importance in connecting the motorway to the Karachi port. The Federal Minister for Planning has reportedly told the business community in Karachi that the government will complete the road using its own resources if external funding is not secured, according to Erumghan Subhani. The Standing Committee has demanded a comprehensive plan for special incentives to boost tourism in Gwadar. Additionally, the committee has sought detailed information regarding the development planning for Gwadar. Details of the measures taken by the provincial government for Gwadar’s development have also been requested.