29 Balochistan development projects worth Rs98bn shelved

According to official documents, the projects were affected between FY2024 and FY2026, with authorities citing funding constraints and security

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has closed or suspended 29 development projects in Balochistan estimated at nearly Rs98 billion over the past three fiscal years, with official records showing that around Rs1.5 billion had already been spent on the schemes before their suspension or closure.

According to official documents, the projects were affected between FY2024 and FY2026, with authorities citing funding constraints and security concerns among the main reasons for discontinuing or putting the schemes on hold.

The records show that three projects were closed or suspended because of security concerns, while most of the remaining schemes were affected by the non-release or shortage of funds.

Among the major projects impacted is the Harnai-Sibi Road, which was reportedly closed because of funding constraints. Work on the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass was also suspended after approximately Rs830 million had already been spent.

The documents further show that an electricity project in Mastung, estimated at Rs8 billion, was closed after Rs320 million had been spent. Another major scheme, the Quetta-Dhadar Highway Project, carrying an estimated cost of Rs55 billion, was also closed because of the non-availability of funds.

Work on three major dam projects was suspended over security concerns, according to the official record.

The Ministry of Planning, when approached for its position, referred questions concerning individual projects to the relevant ministries and executing agencies. However, the ministry’s position recorded in the documents states that most projects were closed or suspended because of funding issues or security threats.

Despite the suspension of the schemes, federal development spending in Balochistan continued during the period under review. Official figures show that around Rs375 billion was released for approximately 235 development schemes in the province over the three fiscal years.

The records indicate that Rs101 billion was allocated in FY2024, followed by Rs116 billion in FY2025 and Rs158 billion in FY2026. At the same time, the number of schemes reflected in the development programme declined from 235 in FY2024 to 147 in FY2026.

Officials and sources attribute the changing number of schemes partly to project rationalisation, funding constraints and delays in implementation.

The suspension of projects with a combined estimated cost approaching Rs100 billion has renewed questions over development planning, security conditions and the utilisation of public funds in Balochistan, where infrastructure and public-service gaps remain significant.

The fate of the suspended schemes will depend on the availability of funds, security conditions and decisions by the concerned ministries and executing agencies regarding their future viability.