By Our Correspondent: The Balochistan government has unveiled one of the most extensive administrative reforms in the province’s history by creating new divisions, districts, sub-divisions, tehsils and sub-tehsils while redrawing administrative boundaries to improve governance, decentralise administration and enhance public service delivery.
The changes have been notified under Sections 5, 6 and 6-A of the Balochistan Land Revenue Act, 1967, empowering the provincial government to establish new administrative units and realign existing territorial jurisdictions.
Quetta is split into East and West Districts
As part of the restructuring, Quetta district has been divided into Quetta East and Quetta West, a move aimed at improving administrative efficiency in the provincial capital.
Quetta East will comprise:
- Saddar
- City
- Sariab
The district headquarters will remain at the existing Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
Quetta West will include:
- Kuchlak
- Brewery
- Panjpai
The Deputy Commissioner’s Office for Quetta West will be established in the Irrigation Department building at Sariab.
The notification also provides for:
- Creation of Brewery as a new sub-division and tehsil.
- Establishment of Panjpai as a new sub-division with headquarters at Panjpai.
- Realignment of patwar circles for Quetta East and Quetta West by the Board of Revenue within one month.
Mastung Moved to Quetta Division
The government has transferred Mastung district from Kalat Division to Quetta Division, where it will continue to include:
- Mastung
- Dasht
- Khad-e-Kocha (Sub-Tehsil)
- Kirdgap (Sub-Tehsil)
Kalat Division Replaced by Two New Divisions
In another landmark decision, Kalat Division has been abolished and replaced with two newly established administrative divisions:
- Khuzdar Division
- Lasbela Division
The move significantly reshapes the administrative map of central and southern Balochistan.
Wadh Elevated to District Status
The notification also upgrades Wadh into a new district after separating it from Khuzdar district.
The newly created district will comprise:
- Wadh
- Naal
- Ornach
Additional changes include:
- Creation of Gresha as a new sub-division.
- Establishment of Aranji as a sub-tehsil.
- Adjustment of territorial boundaries involving Saroona, Hub and Lasbela.
Administrative Changes Across Balochistan
Khuzdar Division
The government has introduced several new administrative units, including:
- Baghbana and Moola as new sub-divisions.
- Zeedi upgraded to tehsil status.
- Karkh upgraded from sub-tehsil to tehsil.
- Zehri shifted from Khuzdar district to Surab district.
- Shaheed Sikandarabad district officially renamed Surab district.
Pishin Division
The notification establishes:
- Toba Kakari as a new sub-division.
- Barshore upgraded into a tehsil.
- Toba Kakari was notified as a new tehsil.
Rakhshan Division
Key reforms include:
- Chagai upgraded to a sub-division.
- Yak Mach promoted to tehsil status.
- Nag upgraded as a tehsil and new sub-division in Washuk district.
Makuran Division
The government has officially adopted the spelling Makuran Division, replacing the previous “Mekran.”
Other changes include:
- Balnigore upgraded to both tehsil and sub-division.
- Hoshab boundaries adjusted.
- New sub-divisions established at Ormara and Jiwani in Gwadar district.
Naseerabad Division
The reforms include:
- Khanpur established as a new tehsil in Jaffarabad.
- Mirpur upgraded into a tehsil in Jhal Magsi.
- Jia Khan created as a new sub-division and tehsil in Sohbatpur.
Zhob Division
The notification provides for:
- Creation of Murgha Kibzai sub-division and tehsil.
- Relocation of Sherani district headquarters from Istano Ragha to Mani Khawa.
- New sub-divisions at Mani Khawa and Istano Ragha.
- Establishment of Shinghar as a new sub-tehsil.
Sevi Division
Several important changes have also been approved:
- Sibi officially renamed Sevi.
- Lower Dera Bugti renamed South Dera Bugti.
- Kachhi district transferred from Naseerabad Division to Sevi Division.
- Mach and Balanari upgraded into tehsils.
- Sangseelah established as a new sub-division.
- Jalal Khan Mugheri notified as a new sub-tehsil.
Loralai Division
The notification further provides for:
- Transfer of Ziarat district from Sevi Division to Loralai Division.
- Harnai district shifted to Loralai Division.
- Creation of Rara Sham sub-division and tehsil in Barkhan.
- Establishment of Hosarhi sub-division.
- Jandran upgraded into a tehsil.
- Hosarhi notified as a new sub-tehsil in Kohlu.
Dera Bugti Renamed
The provincial government has also approved the renaming of:
- Upper Dera Bugti as North Dera Bugti.
- Lower Dera Bugti as South Dera Bugti.
Board of Revenue to Implement Changes
The notification authorizes the Board of Revenue (BOR) to finalize boundary adjustments, revenue limits and patwar circles in accordance with the provincial cabinet’s approved decisions.
The comprehensive administrative reforms are expected to decentralize governance, improve coordination among government departments, accelerate development planning and enhance the delivery of public services across Balochistan.
