ISLAMABAD, April 28 (ABC): China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Balochistan have so far created or engaged 7,313 workers under completed and ongoing schemes. Meanwhile, another 10,425 jobs are expected in future phases and pipeline projects.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, these employment figures cover multiple sectors. These include road infrastructure, energy, water, industry, health, education, and port-related projects. The documents show that many jobs have already been created during construction and execution. However, additional employment opportunities are still expected under upcoming initiatives.
At the project level, the Surab-Hoshab (N-85) road generated 101 jobs, all for local residents. Similarly, 616 locals were employed through contractors in the Gwadar-Hoshab-Awaran-Naal sections of M-8 and the Khuzdar-Basima project.
In another development, the Nokandi-Mashkail-Panjgur project created 82 temporary jobs during its execution. Likewise, the HUBCO Coal Power Project generated 627 jobs, including 170 for individuals holding Balochistan domicile.
The New Gwadar International Airport created 107 jobs. Out of these, 63 positions went to Balochistan residents, exceeding the federal government’s 6% quota. In addition, Gwadar Port and Free Zone generated 216 jobs, including 214 for local residents.
During infrastructure development, the Eastbay Expressway (Phase I) engaged around 1,400 workers. Among them, 200 were locals. Phase II is currently in the planning stage. Similarly, around 1,500 workers were engaged in construction near the Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar, including 450 locals.
Furthermore, the 1.2 MGD Desalination Plant in Gwadar employed about 330 workers during construction, including 165 locals. In the Bostan Special Economic Zone, existing industrial units created 426 jobs, all for local residents.
The 15,000 Solar Powered Lighting Equipment Project generated around 1,100 contractual jobs. Most of these positions were filled by locals. In the same way, fresh water treatment and supply facilities in Gwadar created 320 jobs, including 270 for residents.
Healthcare and social infrastructure projects also contributed to employment. The Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar created 515 jobs, including 441 for Balochistan domicile holders. Meanwhile, Westbay Expressway created 100 jobs, including nine for locals. The school at Faqeer Colony, Gwadar, generated 51 jobs, including 24 local positions.
Taken together, these completed and ongoing projects account for 7,313 jobs already created or workers engaged in Balochistan.
Looking ahead, the documents highlight significant employment potential. A total of 10,425 additional jobs are expected under future phases and pipeline projects.
In particular, the Bostan Special Economic Zone is projected to create around 8,030 new jobs. These will come from plots allocated to 24 enterprises, with a strong focus on local employment.
Similarly, the Gwadar fresh water treatment and supply project is expected to generate 300 more jobs. The Saindak Copper/Gold Mining Project is likely to create around 1,120 jobs, including about 950 for residents, especially from Chagai and nearby areas.
Moreover, the 300MW Coal Power Plant in Gwadar is expected to generate around 575 jobs during construction and operations. Out of these, 43 positions are reserved for local employment.
Finally, the Gwadar Smart Environmental and Sanitation System will create approximately 200 temporary construction jobs, including 150 for locals. In addition, it is expected to generate another 200 operational jobs, with priority given to local residents.
