QUETTA The Balochistan government is likely to declare Gwadar as the winter capital of the province.

A decision has been taken in principle and the plan is likely to be approved with the next provincial budget,' sources told Dawn, adding that officials concerned were working on details of the proposal.

'The decision will have a far-reaching impact on the economy of Balochistan, particularly of Makran,' the sources said.

Balochistan Assembly Speaker Mohammad Aslam Bhootani confirmed that the proposal was being actively considered. 'If the government takes a final decision to make Gwadar the winter capital of the province, economic activities in the port city will get a big boost,' he said.

The sources said a bench of the Balochistan High Court would also be set up in Gwadar. They said that Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani, Speaker Aslam Bhootani, the chief secretary and provincial ministers had held several meetings in Islamabad in this regard.