As 2025 comes to a close, Balochistan recorded a series of developments across infrastructure, economic investment, security, governance, and social sectors, marking one of the most active years for Pakistan’s largest province in recent times. While long-standing challenges persist, the year saw measurable progress driven by provincial initiatives, federal support, international financing, and private-sector engagement.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
A major focus during the year was the Balochistan Special Development Initiative (BSDI), launched in collaboration with the Pakistan Armed Forces. Under the programme, Rs5 billion was allocated for 137 development projects across districts including Kech, Khuzdar, Washuk, Chagai, Panjgur, and Kalat.
By the end of 2025, 13 projects had been completed, including solar power installations for rural health centres and madrasas, street lighting in Washuk, and the construction of funeral grounds in Kalat and Khuzdar. In total, 969 BSDI projects were launched across 35 districts, covering roads, water supply, energy, health, and education infrastructure to improve connectivity in remote areas.
To strengthen transparency and execution, a Monitoring and Evaluation system for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects was introduced in July 2025.
CPEC and Connectivity
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continued to drive infrastructure development in Balochistan. Several projects progressed or reached completion during the year, including the Eastbay Expressway Phase-I, Khuzdar–Basima Road (110 kilometres), upgrades at Gwadar Port and Free Zone, and the New Gwadar International Airport, built through a $230 million Chinese grant.
Additional road projects — Awaran–Naal, Nokundi–Mashkhel, and Zhob–Quetta — remained under construction, aimed at improving trade routes, regional mobility, and access to markets.
Construction also began on the N-25 Pakistan Expressway, a key corridor linking Balochistan with Sindh, expected to support trade, tourism, and mineral exports. Alongside this, a $390 million railway connectivity project advanced to connect mineral-rich areas with national logistics networks.
Economic Investment and Mining
Investor activity increased during 2025 as five major Pakistani business groups announced $5 billion in private-sector investments, primarily targeting gold and copper exploration in Chagai district. These investments were facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
The flagship development in the mining sector was Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits. In late 2025, the project secured around $3.5 billion in financing from international financial institutions, marking a key milestone that formally moved it from planning into the construction phase.
The financing package included support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the US Export-Import Bank, and other international partners. With Phase One of the project, valued at $7 billion, now fully financed, Reko Diq is positioned as Pakistan’s largest mining venture. First copper exports are expected by 2029, with projected employment of 7,500 to 13,500 workers. The Government of Balochistan holds 25 per cent equity in the project.
Security and Counter-Terrorism
Security developments remained a central feature of 2025. According to official figures, more than 770 terrorists were neutralised during the year, a significant increase compared to previous annual averages.
Intelligence-based operations were conducted across multiple districts, disrupting militant networks and recovering weapons and explosives. Several militants surrendered during the year, including Mir Jakrani, while joint operations and community engagement initiatives were carried out in areas such as Zahid Abad to improve law and order.
Governance and Administrative Reforms
A major governance milestone was the conversion of the entire province from B areas to A areas, ending decades of differentiated policing and administrative arrangements. The move enabled uniform law enforcement, judicial oversight, and administrative authority across Balochistan.
District Coordination Committees (DCCs) were fully empowered and held regular Khuli Kachehris (open courts) to address public grievances. Under BSDI, Rs1 billion per district was allocated for development projects identified through public consultations and jirgas, separate from PSDP and MPA funds.
Education and Human Development
Education featured prominently in the FY 2025–26 provincial budget of Rs1.03 trillion, with Rs145 billion allocated to education, reflecting a 25 per cent increase. More than 9,900 teaching positions were advertised, while free education was extended up to Grade 16. An additional Rs4 billion was allocated to the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund for scholarships.
A key milestone during the year was the opening of the first Government Girls Inter College in Awaran, expanding access to education for women in underserved districts.
In June 2025, the World Bank approved $194 million for two projects in Balochistan: $100 million for the GRADES-Balochistan education initiative, benefiting 250,000 children, and $94 million for the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project, benefiting around 500,000 people.
Health, Technology, and Livelihoods
Health sector funding increased by 15 per cent to Rs87.4 billion, with authorities reporting 77 per cent of health facilities operational and 164 health centres reopened by the end of the year. The Balochistan Assembly passed legislation including the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Bill 2025, alongside approvals for specialised medical units.
In the technology sector, Quetta’s first Tech Park was established through a public-private partnership at zero cost to the government, with an initial target of 500 technology jobs.
Livelihood initiatives included the Chief Minister’s Youth Skill Development and Overseas Employment Programme, which aims to secure 30,000 overseas jobs over five years. During 2025, 2,375 youth were trained, with initial batches deployed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Complementary programmes such as RISE and the Balochistan Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Project (BLEP) also continued.
Public Engagement and Digital Outreach
Officials reported more than 53,000 public engagements during the year, including jirgas, seminars, sports events, and free medical camps. Digital engagement expanded during 2025, accounting for an estimated 70 per cent of online outreach, aimed at countering misinformation and improving public awareness.
Outlook
As 2026 begins, Balochistan continues to face structural challenges. However, developments recorded during 2025 — spanning infrastructure, investment, security, governance, and social services — reflect a year of heightened activity and institutional alignment, laying the groundwork for further progress.
