Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has emphasized that investors should prioritize local skilled labor in industrial projects, underscoring the importance of corporate social responsibility in driving sustainable development across the province.
The Chief Minister presiding over a high-level meeting on Tuesday, which reviewed industrial projects based on low-BTU gas. Technical feasibility studies were discussed, and it was formally decided to move these projects forward on a commercial basis. Invitations for Expressions of Interest (EOI) will soon be issued in newspapers for both domestic and foreign investment companies.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Zahid Saleem, Secretary Energy Dawood Khan Bazai, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Babar Khan, and senior officials from relevant departments.
During detailed briefings, officials outlined proposals for installing various industrial plants in the Margand gas field in Kalat and the Zin gas field in Sui to efficiently utilize low-BTU gas.
Proposed projects include fertilizer, cement, energy, ceramics, and other value-added industries. These initiatives aim to align local resources with industrial growth while promoting sustainable economic activity across the province.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti stressed that investors should ensure that employment opportunities are first offered to local skilled workers, in line with corporate social responsibility. He added that these industrial projects are expected to significantly boost tax revenues for the province and create wide-ranging employment opportunities for youth, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Bugti said, “Balochistan is a province rich in natural resources. The government is committed to leveraging these resources through modern industrial practices to achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable development.”
He also instructed officials to ensure that the investment process remains transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly to further strengthen investor confidence.
“The government is committed to leveraging these resources through modern industrial practices to achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable development,” he added.
The meeting decided that EOI advertisements for gas field projects will be published in newspapers soon. A comprehensive review of potential industrial plant sites, infrastructure, and logistics will also be conducted to facilitate practical implementation.
Bugti has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring full protection for minority communities and guaranteeing the development and restoration of their religious sites under government patronage.
Speaking to a delegation of minority communities led by Senator Dinesh Kumar on Tuesday, the CM emphasized that followers of all religions in Balochistan enjoy equal rights. He said the provincial government is taking serious and practical measures to safeguard the religious and cultural heritage of minority communities across the province.
During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of the master plan of the Hinglaj Mata Temple, covering ongoing and proposed development projects as well as land provision issues.
CM Bugti directed the authorities concerned to ensure the immediate release of all approved funds for the under-construction development schemes of the Hinglaj Mata Temple and to expedite the provision of the required land.
The meeting was attended by Senator Dinesh Kumar, Member of the Provincial Assembly Sanjay Kumar, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Senior Member Board of Revenue Qambar Dashti, Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Zahid Saleem, Secretary Communications and Works Lal Jan Jaffar, Secretary Forests Abdul Fatah Bhangar, members of the committee established for the Hinglaj Mata Temple, and other relevant officials.