ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was held at Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Senator Anusha Rahman to discuss the Expo Centre Quetta project in light of the committee’s earlier deliberations.
The meeting was attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, senators Faisal Saleem Rehman, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Saleem Mandviwalla and Rahat Jamali, while senators Sarmad Ali and Bilal Ahmed Khan participated virtually.
The committee appreciated Sarfaraz Bugti for especially attending the meeting, reflecting the importance attached to the Expo Centre Quetta project. During the briefing, the committee was apprised of the current status of the project and key issues surrounding it.
Addressing concerns regarding the proposed site, the BalochistanCM emphasised that Quetta is a secure city like other major cities of Pakistan. He informed the committee that the selected location lies close to the industrial zone, which is already functioning effectively. It was further highlighted that a Planning Commission committee has cleared the site from a security perspective and that the project has already experienced delays.
Committee members raised questions regarding the long-term self-sustainability of the Expo Centre at the existing location, particularly in view of its distance from the airport and possible access challenges for international delegates.
In response, the CM proposed that the Expo Centre Quetta project at the current site should proceed as planned, while the Government of Balochistan would also establish another Expo Centre near Quetta Airport to facilitate the business community and other stakeholders. He further stated that the location for the provincial Expo Centre would be finalised in consultation with the Balochistan cabinet, committee members and key stakeholders, including the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry. After detailed deliberations, the committee reached a consensus on the proposal and approved the Expo Centre Quetta project.
