Dawood Ahmed:
ISLAMABAD, April 15, 2025 – The federal government has announced a major infrastructure initiative to upgrade the Quetta-Karachi (N-25) Highway to full motorway standards, using funds saved from the recent drop in global oil prices.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement during a federal cabinet meeting, emphasizing that the move aims to provide safer and more efficient travel for the people of Balochistan. The strategic N-25 Highway connects Chaman, Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Karachi — a critical route often referred to as a ‘death road’ due to its poor condition and high accident rate.
The PM also directed that the saved funds be used to complete Phase 2 of the Kachhi Canal project, which will help irrigate vast stretches of farmland in Balochistan.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, who attended the meeting, expressed his appreciation for the federal government’s decision, calling it a significant step toward addressing Balochistan’s long-standing development challenges.
In a related move, the cabinet approved amendments to the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance, 1961, expected to boost federal revenue. The decision comes amid global oil market instability, with Brent crude falling to $64.34 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate to $60.96 due to declining demand forecasts and trade uncertainties.
