UNDERSTANDING PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Public sector development projects play a crucial role in promoting socio-economic development, improving infrastructure, and enhancing public service delivery in Balochistan. Despite substantial investments through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and provincial development initiatives, many projects in the province continue to face significant implementation challenges, including delays, cost overruns, weak monitoring mechanisms, limited institutional capacity, poor stakeholder coordination, and governance-related issues. These challenges often undermine project effectiveness and reduce the intended developmental impact on local communities. This study aims to examine the major project management challenges affecting public sector development projects in Balochistan and assess their implications for project performance. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with project managers, government officials, engineers, and development practitioners, along with qualitative interviews of key stakeholders involved in project planning and implementation. The study focuses on key dimensions of project management, including project planning, risk management, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, communication, monitoring and evaluation, and institutional governance. The findings are expected to identify the critical factors contributing to project inefficiencies and provide insights into the relationship between project management practices and development outcomes. Preliminary analysis suggests that inadequate planning, political interference, weak accountability mechanisms, shortage of skilled project personnel, and ineffective coordination among implementing agencies are among the major barriers to successful project delivery in Balochistan. The study highlights the need for strengthening project governance frameworks, enhancing managerial capacities, improving monitoring systems, and promoting transparent and participatory project management practices. The research contributes to the growing literature on project management in developing regions and offers practical policy recommendations for improving the effectiveness, sustainability, and developmental impact of public sector projects in Balochistan. The findings may assist policymakers, development planners, and public institutions in designing more efficient project management strategies to achieve sustainable socio-economic development in the province.