ISLAMABAD: Ali Parvez Malik stated that the levy imposed on petroleum products was specifically introduced to finance road construction projects in Balochistan, and so far, nearly Rs 66 billion has been collected under this initiative.
While responding to questions during a session of the Senate of Pakistan, he explained that a charge of Rs 7 to 8 per liter was added to fuel prices for this purpose and the collected amount has been transferred to the Planning Commission.
He further shared that by September, collections had reached approximately Rs 66 billion, whereas the total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 200 billion.
The minister added that the levy is still being charged as part of fuel prices, with further data to be provided in the coming period.
Balochistan has been a major focus of national development efforts in recent years due to its strategic importance and long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Large-scale investments are being made in road networks, energy projects, water supply schemes, and education and health facilities to improve living standards across the province.
Key highways linking remote areas to major cities are being constructed to boost trade, connectivity, and economic activity.
A significant part of this development is linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, under which the Gwadar Port has emerged as a central project.
Alongside federal government initiatives and support from the Government of Balochistan, these projects aim to create jobs, reduce poverty, strengthen regional integration, and ensure long-term economic stability for the province.
