QUETTA: In a landmark decision poised to reshape the provincial economy, the Balochistan Department of Industries and Commerce has officially granted the status of an “industry” to the Mines and Minerals sector. The move, enacted under Section 4 of the Balochistan Industrial Development and Regulation Act 2025, is expected to unlock significant investment, streamline regulations, and boost formalization within the critical sector.
The notification has been met with widespread acclaim from the business community. Senior leadership of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), including President Muhammad Ayub Miryani, Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar, and Vice President Engineer Mir Wais Khan Kakar, hailed the government’s decision. They emphasized that this recognition fulfills a persistent, decades-long demand from the chamber, its members, and all stakeholders in the Mines and Minerals sector.
“We are pleased to have fulfilled another promise made to Balochistan’s business community,” stated the QCCI officials. They credited consistent advocacy across all forums, including significant efforts by FPCCI Vice President Nasir Khan, for this pivotal outcome. The chamber highlighted that formal industry status will facilitate better access to financing, incentivize modern technology adoption, and integrate the sector into the national industrial framework.
The QCCI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal trade and resolving challenges faced by entrepreneurs. This policy shift is anticipated to catalyze economic growth, increase job creation, and enhance the contribution of Balochistan’s vast mineral resources to the national exchequer, marking a new chapter in the province’s industrial development.
Meanwhile in landmark move, under the chairmanship of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the 20th meeting of the provincial cabinet was held on Friday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
During the session, several important decisions were approved regarding climate change, urban transport facilities, financial reforms, the establishment of the Bank of Balochistan, improvement of administrative structure, education, environmental protection, and public welfare.
