ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (ABC): The Expo Center Quetta project is likely to be completed by November 2027 after revisions in cost and timeline, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.
The project is located in the Takhtani Industrial Estate along the Eastern Bypass in Quetta. The Ministry of Commerce is sponsoring the project, while Pakistan Expo Centre (Private) Limited is executing it. The facility aims to promote trade in Balochistan through exhibitions, consumer fairs, and conferences.
Originally, authorities approved the project at a cost of Rs2,500 million. However, the cost was later revised. The updated cost now stands at Rs4,829 million. This amount includes a foreign exchange component (FEC) of Rs1,210 million, or about $4.28 million. The project is financed through the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and it does not include any foreign aid.
Authorities first approved the project on September 25, 2019. At that time, the completion deadline was February 2022. However, the timeline was later revised. Following the approval of a revised PC-I on January 27, 2025, the completion target was extended to June 30, 2027.
According to the documents, time and cost increases mainly resulted from delays in land acquisition and finalization for the expo center. In addition, macroeconomic challenges also affected project progress. Authorities were unable to open letters of credit (LCs) during this period due to financial constraints.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the project in its meeting held on January 23, 2025. However, the meeting minutes and the formal authorization letter from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives are still awaited.
As of June 2025, total expenditure on the project reached Rs1,044 million. This amount represents about 23% financial progress against the revised PC-I. Physical progress has also reached around 23%.
So far, several initial works have been completed. These include the establishment of the project office and about 25% to 30% construction of the boundary wall and watchtower.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, authorities revised the project allocation to Rs50 million. Meanwhile, a proposed allocation of Rs3,000 million, including the FEC component of Rs1,210 million, has been put forward for FY27.
However, only Rs17.50 million has been sanctioned so far for the fiscal year 2025-26. In addition, no expenditure was reported between July 1 and December 31, 2025.
Once completed, the Expo Center Quetta is expected to support domestic and international trade activities. The facility will host trade exhibitions and commercial events. As a result, it may help increase exports, generate foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities in the province.
Moreover, the project is expected to encourage domestic business activity and improve Balochistan’s integration with national and international trade networks.