Major construction projects, be they in the private sector or public ones are to come under strict scrutiny in Balochistan.
This measure is caused by climate change that has forced the provincial government to move ahead for legislation as regards the construction projects.
In this backdrop, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has reportedly directed Balochhhistan’s Environment Department for suggesting legislation so that no project is initiated before obtaining a NOC (no objection certificate). It will be mandatory for all major construction projects in the private and public sectors.
A report from Quetta said the chief minister, in a meeting held recently, also approved the appointment of a technical representative of the Environment Department.
Environmental Protection Agency in Balochistan has also briefed the government that climate change poses a serious threat to the environment thus the use of modern technology and reforms in the field of environment is needed to deal effectively with the environmental challenges.
The chief minister is also of the view that improvement in the environment department should be brought about in order to create ample scope for skilled posts in the department.
He said that revolutionary progress in the construction sector was expected under the incentives given by the federal government while the government of Balochistan was also pursuing development plans for coastal and other areas.
The chief minister said a comprehensive policy needed to be formulated to regulate this development process and make it environmentally friendly.
The meeting reviewed the formation of the Sustainable Development Fund. The role of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency and the service rules of the department were also reviewed and
important steps in this regard were approved

Pakistani firms are all set to participate in the 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) scheduled to kick off in September at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.
“Pakistani companies are very keen to take part in the forthcoming fair which is one of major trade and business events in China before China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai,” officials said.
At present, posters and banners have been set up at the China National Convention Center in Beijing to welcome guests from home and abroad.
So far, 141 international organizations, embassies in China, chambers of commerce, business associations, and institutions have confirmed their participation in this year’s CIFTIS.
More than 2,000 domestic and foreign companies will also attend the event, during which more than 100 forums and discussions will be held. Pavilion construction, guest reception, epidemic prevention and control are currently being advanced under high standard.
Formerly known as China (Beijing) International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Fair for Trade in Services took its new name in 2019.
One year later, the shortened name for the event was changed from “Beijing Fair” to “CIFTIS”.
The CIFTIS (including the former Beijing Fair) has successfully held six sessions, attracting 184 countries and regions, nearly 300 international organizations and overseas business associations and more than 10,000 companies, and achieving an accumulated intended transaction amount of US $ 529.33 billion

National Bank of Pakistan’s President Arif Usmani has said his bank will provide all possible support for the uplift of the general public including the provision of very soft loans to make them able to easily own residence under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme. The PM Housing initiative was a very revolutionary program as it would improve the living standard of the common man and generate big economic activity in the country. The construction industry has great potential to grow and more than 40 other industries directly linked to it, he said while speaking at a ceremony held here at NBP Head Office to mark 73rd independence day of Pakistan. He said PM Housing Programme would help revive the economy affected by COVID-19, which had posed serious economic challenges to many countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan was personally monitoring the progress in this housing program and was regularly getting feedback from the concerned organizations /agencies including NBP. NBP President said this premier government commercial bank had recently gone through various policy, structural, and technology upgrades which would start yielding within six months

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) would gasify the localities and villages falling within a five-kilometre radius of gas-producing fields, being operated by Exploration and Production (E&P) companies in different parts of Sindh and Balochistan, under a multi-billion rupees project.
“Accordingly, the company is in the process of preparing PC-I to undertake the first phase of the project which will be submitted to DDWP (Departmental Development Working Party) for its approval,” a senior official privy to the petroleum sector developments said.
He said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has recently allowed the Finance Division, on a summary submitted by the Petroleum Division, to release Rs1 billion to the company for undertaking the gas supply project in the localities situated within a 5-KM radius of gas fields.“It is in compliance with the Supreme Court and High Court decisions.” The total estimated cost of the project is Rs4.912, out of which SSGC would get Rs1 billion during the year 2020-21, while the remaining amount in subsequent fiscal years. Meanwhile, according to an official document available with APP, the company would provide around 144,371 new gas connections including 143,023 domestic, 1,164 commercial and 184 industrial during the current fiscal year as per its annual network expansion plan. The SSGC has also planned to lay 1,418 KMs additional distribution and transmission lines in the year 2020-21

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen (r) Muzammil Hussain visited the Nai Gaj Dam project area located in Dadu District of Sindh province to assess the situation on the ground and damages to the project caused by the flood. During the visit, the chairman had a detailed round of various components of the project.
WAPDA General Manager (Projects) South and Project Director Nai Gaj Dam were also present on the occasion. WAPDA chairman, on the occasion, assured his full support to the civil administration of Dadu and Sindh to tackle the situation that has arisen out of the recent floods. He also appreciated WAPDA engineers and officials for their efforts to protect the structures of the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) Project during the flood. Earlier, the chairman was briefed by the General Manager (Projects) South about the water flows in the project area during the floods, along with status and the loss done to the project components. The chairman was apprised that the upstream protection dyke (Coffer Dam) to secure the construction area of the Main Dam affected due to the floods, however, part of the Main Dam built so far remained safe. The chairman directed the project management to conduct a detailed study and submit a report about damages to the project. He also asked them to recommend measures to cope with such a situation in the future. Nai Gaj Dam Project is being constructed on Gaj River, 65-Kilometer North-West of Dadu. On completion, the dam will have a gross storage capacity of 300,000 acre feet, while the command area of the project comprises of 28,800 acres. The progress on the approved components stands at 51 percent. If the funding is approved by the ECNEC, Nai Gaj Dam can be completed in two years