Court Tightens Grip on Balochistan Highway Development, Orders Immediate Action to Secure Key Projects in Upcoming PSDP

Independent Report
Quetta, March 16, 2026: The Balochistan High Court on Monday closely examined progress on several critical road construction initiatives in the province, directing the relevant authorities to ensure that major highway projects are properly incorporated in the development program for the next fiscal year.
A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail and Justice Najam-ud-Din Mengal heard constitutional petitions related to road infrastructure schemes, focusing on their implementation status, funding arrangements and proposed inclusion in the FY 2026-27 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
At the outset, the Additional Advocate General presented a letter dated March 6, 2026, informing the bench that the PC-I for the Harnai–Sibi route through Spin Tangi was initially submitted in March 2023 and later resubmitted in February 2025. The court was also provided with the minutes of the provincial cabinet meeting held on August 9, 2024, confirming that the provincial government had no pending issues regarding the project.
During the proceedings, Basharat Hussain, Member (West Zone) of the National Highway Authority (NHA), submitted a detailed briefing about the Ziarat Mor–Kach–Harnai–Sanjuwi Road project. According to the report, the 146.5-kilometre road scheme has been launched by the federal government to strengthen connectivity between districts and provinces. The existing roadway, currently measuring between 3.65 and 4.5 metres in width, is planned to be upgraded in accordance with NHA standards under the PSDP.
The report explained that the project’s original PC-I, prepared in 2018, estimated the cost at PKR 10.79 billion, which was later revised to PKR 8.37 billion and approved by ECNEC on March 7, 2018. However, subsequent technical evaluations, geographic challenges and safety considerations—including construction of protective walls and additional engineering work—led to a significant expansion in the scope of the project. The earlier proposal of TST footpaths was also replaced with asphalt footpaths to provide greater benefit to the public, prompting a fresh review of the PC-I.
Following a comprehensive reassessment conducted by the Planning Commission, the revised project cost was approved at PKR 17.49 billion. Administrative approval was granted on January 5, 2026, while a token allocation of PKR 200 million was included in the PSDP 2025-26 to facilitate the project’s continuation in the national development framework.
Officials from the NHA assured the bench that the tendering process is expected to be completed by June 2026, after which construction work will commence once funding becomes available in the next fiscal year 2026-27.
The authority further informed the court that a number of other road projects in Balochistan—such as Jhal Jhao–Bela Road, Bela–Awaran Road, Hoshab–Awaran Road, Awaran–Nal Road, Quetta Western Bypass, and Nokkundi–Mashkel Road—are also being given priority so that they can be completed quickly through adequate funding and deliver early benefits to the public.
During arguments, counsel for the petitioner expressed concern that if the project fails to be incorporated into the FY 2026-27 PSDP by March 31, 2026, it may become difficult to secure its inclusion afterward. Responding to the concern, the NHA Member (West Zone) firmly assured the court that all required formalities regarding the Ziarat Mor–Kach–Harnai–Sanjuwi and Ziarat Mor projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and included in the forthcoming PSDP.
Regarding the Sibi–Harnai Road scheme, NHA officials informed the bench that the PC-I earlier submitted by the C&W Department had been returned by the Planning Commission based on CDWP recommendations, requiring resubmission in accordance with the appropriate cost-sharing formula.
The court directed the Chief Executive Officer of NHA and the Member (West Zone) to strictly follow the instructions issued by the bench. It also instructed the Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Government of Balochistan, to coordinate with the Planning Commission and NHA authorities to ensure the timely approval of the PC-I and its inclusion in the FY 2026-27 PSDP.
The bench further clarified that the Member (West Zone) of NHA would not be required to attend the next hearing unless specifically summoned by the court. Copies of the court’s orders were also ordered to be sent to the offices of the Additional Attorney General and Additional Advocate General to ensure proper implementation.
The court warned that any failure to comply with the directives would result in concerned officials being summoned in person to explain their position.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until April 9, 2026.