ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Monday approved the Expo Centre project in Quetta, the capital of South Western Balochistan province.
Mineral-rich Balochistan holds immense strategic and economic importance for Pakistan, with its vast reserves of natural resources offering significant potential to drive industrial growth, attract investment, and boost long-term national development.
The committee, presided over by Senator Anusha Rahman, was informed about the current status of the Expo Centre project as well as key challenges associated with it, a press release said.
Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti emphasised in the meeting that Quetta is as secure as other major cities in the country.
He highlighted that the selected location is situated near an already operational industrial zone, and added that a Planning Commission committee has cleared the site from a security standpoint. He also pointed out that the project has already faced delays.
Committee members, however, raised concerns regarding the long-term viability of the Expo Centre at the current site, particularly citing its distance from the airport and potential accessibility issues for international delegates.
In response, the Chief Minister proposed that the Expo Centre Quetta project should proceed at the existing location, while a second Expo Centre would be developed near Quetta Airport to better serve the business community and other stakeholders.
He further stated that the location of the additional facility would be finalised in consultation with the provincial cabinet, committee members, and key stakeholders, including the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Following detailed deliberations, the committee reached a consensus and approved the Expo Centre Quetta project.
