Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has emphasized that investor companies must make the provision of employment to local skilled workers their top priority while fulfilling their social responsibilities.He was chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding industrial projects based on low BTU gas in the province. The meeting decided that after completion of technical feasibility, the projects would be launched on commercial grounds and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) would be formally advertised in newspapers for local and foreign investor 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 other senior officials of relevant departments.During the briefing, participants were informed that the installation of various industrial plants is being proposed for the effective utilization of low BTU gas from the Margand Gas Field in Kalat district and the Zin Gas Field in Sui.
The proposed industries include fertilizer, cement, power generation, ceramics, and other value-added sectors. These initiatives aim to align local resources with industrial development and promote sustainable economic activity in the province.Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that these industrial projects would not only significantly increase tax revenue for the province but also create vast employment opportunities for youth, thereby strengthening the local economy.
He added that Balochistan is rich in natural resources and the provincial government is determined to utilize these resources on modern lines to achieve industrial growth and economic self-reliance.
The Chief Minister directed that the investment process should be transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly to further strengthen the confidence of serious investors.It was also decided in the meeting that advertisements for Expressions of Interest related to the gas fields would be published in newspapers at the earliest, while a comprehensive review of potential sites, infrastructure, and logistical facilities for the proposed industrial plants would be conducted, followed by practical implementation steps.
