ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce has expressed concerns about the proposed location for a new Expo Center in Quetta, urging a reevaluation of the site due to security issues. During a virtual meeting chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, the Committee reviewed the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) proposals for the financial year 2026-27, including the Rs. 4.8 billion Expo Center project in Quetta, and highlighted potential risks associated with the current site.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee members from Balochistan, supported by the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, raised alarms about the site’s distance from the city and inadequate security measures. The Secretary of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) noted that the Minister of Commerce had petitioned the Balochistan government for an alternative location, but the request was denied. The Committee warned that moving forward with construction at the current site could lead to misuse of public funds and recommended the postponement of the project until a more secure location is found.
The Committee also discussed the proposed “Export Accelerator for SMEs” project, suggesting that it be funded through the Export Development Fund rather than PSDP. The Secretary of Commerce explained that the project was initiated under the Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives. The Committee directed that the project should be presented to the EDF Board before considering PSDP financing.
Reviewing the compliance status of previous recommendations, the Committee addressed the backlog of cases at the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) offices in Karachi. The IPO assured the Committee that efforts to enhance human resource capacity would resolve the backlog within six months.
The Committee was briefed on TDAP initiatives to support women entrepreneurs and the cottage industry. The Chairperson emphasized the need for stronger policy interventions to enhance these efforts. TDAP has created a Women Entrepreneurs Division and signed agreements with various NGOs and government bodies to bolster support networks.
Trade and Investment Counsellors from Korea and Jeddah presented opportunities for expanding trade, with the Chairperson advocating for a Free Trade Agreement with Korea and exploring Saudi Arabia’s data center projects. The Jeddah Counsellor highlighted the presence of Pakistani IT companies in Saudi Arabia and the potential for increased business and employment opportunities in the region.
The Committee urged the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate a meeting between the Federal Minister for Commerce and the Chief Minister of Balochistan within a week to discuss alternative locations for the Expo Center and to delay budget approval until a decision is reached.