QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has stressed the urgent need for the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) to achieve financial autonomy, urging development institutions to generate their own resources and ensure sustainable growth rather than becoming a burden on the government.

He said this while presiding over the 31st meeting of the GDA governing body on Friday, where he reviewed Gwadar’s overall development, provision of civic amenities, and progress on ongoing projects, financial matters, and future initiatives for the coastal city.

The governing body ap­­proved GDA’s annual bud­get for the financial year 2025-26. CM Bugti direc­ted the finance departme­­nt to conduct a special au­­dit to ensure transparen­cy, with a detailed report to be presented at the next meeting. Highlighting con­­cerns, the chief minister revealed that GDA’s an­nual revenue stands at Rs70 million, while expenditures amount to Rs870m — a gap he termed alarming.

“Authorities must de­­velop the capacity to generate their own resources rather than relying on government funding,” he said, stressing the need for institutional reforms and strict financial discipline.

The chief minister announced comprehensive reforms to transform the GDA into a more efficient and proactive institution capable of meeting development targets and playing a meaningful role in Gwadar’s growth.

The meeting approved feasibility reports for upgrading drainage, sewerage, street works and road infrastructure in low-lying areas.

These projects will be incorporated into the next fiscal year’s development programme.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2026