Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA) revealed that despite Balochistan province in Pakistan having over 4,000 kilometers of national highways, it received only PKR 20 million out of the national annual revenue pool of PKR 130 billion. The NHA officials emphasized the need for about PKR 15 billion annually to maintain highways in Balochistan, a cost currently covered by revenue from other provinces. They highlighted the importance of local business support for enhancing revenue generation and road infrastructure in the region.
During an interactive session with the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, NHA General Manager Agha Inayatullah and Director Maintenance Raheel Ahmed Baloch discussed revenue, maintenance, and development initiatives. The officials stressed that nearly 95% of business activity in Balochistan relies on highways managed by the NHA. Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce welcomed the NHA’s development efforts but expressed concerns about the dismantling of operational roads, which they believe adds to the challenges faced by the local population due to Balochistan’s geography.
A recent report highlighted the ongoing resource extraction from Balochistan without meaningful involvement of local residents, leading to resentment, militancy, and human rights issues. Balochistan, rich in minerals, energy resources, and strategic coastal infrastructure, lacks local participation in decision-making and development benefits. Despite possessing significant mineral wealth, including copper, gold, coal, and other minerals, the people of Balochistan remain among the poorest in Pakistan.
