In a strategic move, the federal government of Pakistan has opted to maintain current fuel prices despite a dip in global oil markets, redirecting the resulting savings toward transformative development projects in Balochistan. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a recent cabinet session, underscores a commitment to bolstering infrastructure in one of the country’s most underserved regions.
The funds will primarily support the upgrading of the N-25 Highway, a vital artery connecting Chaman, Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Karachi. The project aims to transform the route into a modern, high-standard motorway, promising safer and faster travel for Balochistan’s residents and boosting trade connectivity. Additionally, resources will be allocated to advance Phase 2 of the Kachhi Canal, a critical irrigation initiative set to bring water to vast tracts of farmland, enhancing agricultural productivity in the province.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, present at the cabinet meeting, praised the federal government’s focus on the province, calling the highway and canal projects “game-changers” for local communities long awaiting development.
The decision aligns with broader fiscal adjustments, including a cabinet-approved tweak to the Petroleum Levy framework, designed to strengthen national revenue streams. Global oil prices, meanwhile, continue to fluctuate, with Brent crude hovering around $64 and US West Texas Intermediate near $61, driven by shifting demand projections and international trade dynamics.
Fuel prices in Pakistan remain unchanged for now, with petrol priced at Rs254.63 per litre and diesel at Rs258.64 per litre, as confirmed in the latest financial review. By prioritizing long-term development over immediate price cuts, the government aims to lay the foundation for sustainable growth in Balochistan, a region poised for progress.
