Balochistan News, Divisions and Real Estate Updates

Quetta | ReNews Pakistan
The Jinnah Peoples Train Service has officially been launched in Quetta, introducing a new 32 kilometre public transport corridor between Sariab and Kuchlak following the restoration and upgrading of the railway track. The service was inaugurated on September 29 by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The project was completed jointly by the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. Officials said the 32 kilometre railway track was restored and upgraded within a record period of 120 days. The initiative is aimed at providing safe, comfortable and affordable public transport for residents of Quetta and surrounding areas.

The initial Jinnah Peoples Train route comprises seven stations: Kuchlak, Baleli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lora Karez Halt and Sariab. Development and rehabilitation work was also carried out at several stations as part of the project.

According to official details, new turntables were installed at Sariab and Kuchlak stations, while both stations underwent infrastructure upgrades. Improvement work was carried out at Sheikh Manda, while construction and upgrading activities were undertaken at Baleli. GOR Halt was reconstructed and equipped with solar and electrical facilities, along with new furniture and passenger benches. Upgrading work was also completed at Quetta Station, while construction and completion work was undertaken at Lora Karez Halt.

The coaches for the Jinnah Peoples Train were manufactured at Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory in Islamabad within four months. Officials said the service would provide improved daily connectivity for students, employees, traders, women, children, workers and other commuters travelling between Quetta and surrounding areas.

The new commuter corridor is also expected to strengthen connectivity between residential areas and employment and commercial centres across the Quetta urban region. From an urban development perspective, improved rail access could provide an additional public transport option for communities located along the Sariab Kuchlak corridor.

The potential impact on the property market is likely to vary by location. Areas with practical access to operational stations could see stronger connectivity benefits, although any change in property demand or values would depend on factors including service frequency, ridership, travel times and the implementation of future extensions.

The provincial government has also outlined plans to expand the service. Work has reportedly begun on upgrading the railway track towards the Bostan Industrial Estate, while longer term proposals include possible extensions towards Pishin and Mastung.

The launch of the Jinnah Peoples Train represents a new addition to Balochistan’s public transport infrastructure, with the restored rail corridor intended to improve affordable and reliable mobility between Quetta and its surrounding areas.

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan
The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has completed more than 10 infrastructure and development projects during the 2026-27 fiscal year, covering road construction, drainage, water supply, sports facilities, education and other public infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and civic services across the port city.
The completed schemes form part of the authority’s broader urban development programme for Gwadar, with a particular focus on improving road links between important residential, commercial and public-service areas.
Among the major road projects completed by the GDA are the construction and blacktopping of Demi Zar Road and Ustad Abdul Majeed Gwaderi Road. The authority has also completed seven link roads in the East Bay area, while road connectivity has been improved between Marine Drive, Eidgah, Shaheen Chowk and DHQ Hospital Road.
Additional road works include the connection between Shaheen Chowk and Ustad Abdul Majeed Gwaderi Road, as well as the road linking the C&W Office with the RCD Highway. The projects are expected to improve traffic movement and provide better access between key parts of the city.
The development programme has also focused on public and recreational facilities. Rehabilitation work has been completed at Eidgah, while Sorg Dil Ground and the Young Jan Volleyball and Futsal Ground have been upgraded. The GDA has also provided furniture to Government Girls High School and Government Boys High School as part of efforts to improve educational facilities.
Meanwhile, the authority has approved several new development schemes following meetings chaired by GDA Director General Moin ur Rehman Khan to review the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects.
During a Departmental Development Working Party meeting, approval was given for the rehabilitation of Marine Drive from Governor House to Pishukan. Other approved schemes include construction of a boundary wall around Central Park and the GDA Club, allied works for the Marine Drive causeway and construction of a new causeway at Surbandar.
A proposed drip irrigation project along Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi Road has also been considered, although its implementation will depend on the availability of funds.
Water supply and drainage have remained key components of the development programme. Several water-supply schemes in villages of Kalanch have been completed and services have become operational, providing residents with improved access to water.
Work on the sewage treatment plant at Central Park is nearing completion, while construction of another sewage treatment facility has also commenced. The authority is additionally developing a direct drainage outlet to Demi Zar to improve the disposal of rainwater and other drainage flows near Bilal Mosque.
The GDA is simultaneously continuing work under the Old Town Rehabilitation Project, which covers an integrated road network and street paving in different wards. The rehabilitation programme also includes improvements to Shahi Bazaar and Jannat Bazaar, along with the development and upgrading of Eidgah, football, futsal and volleyball grounds.
Healthcare and education facilities are also included in the Old Town rehabilitation programme. Other components include construction of a cemetery boundary wall, improvements to prayer areas and building façades, as well as implementation of the Model Mohalla Project.
During the review meetings, DG GDA Moin ur Rehman Khan directed engineers and officials to ensure transparency, maintain strict supervision and complete development schemes within the stipulated timelines.
The GDA chief also expressed concern over complaints regarding the quality and progress of some ongoing works under the Old Town Rehabilitation Project. He directed engineers to remain present at project sites and closely monitor construction activities.
He further warned that negligence in project supervision, construction quality or timely execution would not be tolerated, stressing that all development schemes must be implemented transparently and in the public interest.

Quetta : ReNews Pakistan
The Federal Board of Revenue has revised the official valuation rates for immovable properties in Quetta, a move that may affect tax calculations for property transactions in the city.

The new values will serve as a reference for calculating federal taxes on property transactions.

The revised rates vary according to locality and property type. Buyers, sellers and investors are therefore advised to check the applicable valuation for their specific property before finalising a transaction.

The FBR's notified valuation is separate from the actual market price of a property. An increase in the official valuation does not necessarily mean that market prices have increased by the same proportion.

The revised valuation may increase the taxable amount in some property transactions, although the actual impact will depend on the transaction type, property category, applicable tax provisions and the tax status of the buyer or seller.

Buyers and sellers have been advised to verify the latest FBR valuation before completing a transaction and to check the property's legal status, ownership records and any pending litigation or restrictions.

The revision is also relevant to overseas Pakistanis involved in property transactions in Quetta. Eligible non resident Pakistanis may qualify for specific tax treatment under certain conditions, but the applicable FBR property valuation remains an important part of the tax calculation.

The revised rates make it important for buyers and sellers to calculate taxes and official transaction costs using the latest FBR valuation rather than outdated figures.