Hub Tehsil

Hub (also known as ''Hub Chowki'' , , ) is an administrative subdivision (tehsil) of Hub District in the province of Balochistan, Pakistan. As of the 2023 census, the tehsil has a population of 233,443, with over 80% residing in urban areas, including the administrative centre, the city of Hub. Formerly part of Lasbela District, the tehsil became part of the newly established Hub District in 2022 following administrative reforms. The new district comprises the tehsils Hub, Dureji, Gadani, Sakran, and Sonmiani. Administratively, Hub Tehsil is divided into seven Union Councils.

Location

Hub tehsil spans an approximately 868 square kilometres and lies along the northwestern banks of the Hub River. Its geography reflects arid, hilly terrain characteristic of much of Balochistan. While predominantly dry, there are limited patches of arable land that support small-scale agriculture. The tehsil borders Gadani to the southwest, Sonmiani to the northwest, and Dureji to the north. Across the Hub River to the south and east lie the Sindh districts of Hub River are Malir and Keamari.

Population

According to the 2023 national census, Hub tehsil has is home to 233,443 residents across 37,994 households, 30,139 in urban areas and 7,855 are in rural settings. The tehsil has a predominantly urban character, with the majority of the population residing in the town of Hub, its administrative headquarters.

The overall literacy rate stands at 44.35%, with a male literacy rate of 53.87% and a female literacy rate of 34.34%, highlighting ongoing disparities in educational access, particularly for women.

Economy

Hub's proximity to Karachi, just across the provincial border with Sindh, has positioned it as one of Balochistan's most significant industrial hubs. Hub's industrial development began in 1979, when 1,326 acres (5.37 km²) were allocated for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes—700 acres specifically for industrial estates. The Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority (LIEDA), established in 1986, oversees the development and regulation of these zones. Currently, approximately 135 industrial units operate under LIEDA and more than 200 industrial units are operating in Hub. Jointly developed industrial parks by the governments of Sindh and Balochistan further attract investors, particularly those from Karachi, enabling them to leverage the close logistical ties between the two provinces.

Key sectors include:

* Oil and Energy: Major installations include Byco Petroleum, Bosicor Oil Refineries, and HUBCO Power Project.
* Cement: DG Khan Cement Company's Hub Project, a high-capacity plant with 9,000 tons-per-day production unit, benefits from local limestone reserves and adequate transport infrastructure.
* Services: A growing presence of textile companies, HR firms, software companies, and telecom service providers further diversify the local economy.

Hub's industrial relevance is expected to increase with the ongoing development of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which promises improved infrastructure, enhanced trade routes, and new investment opportunities.

Despite its industrial expansion, Hub faces persistent urban challenges. Overburdened road infrastructure, heavy traffic congestion, and inadequate municipal services strain everyday life and industrial operations. Political rivalry among local parties sometimes disrupts governance and public order, impacting both residents and business continuity.

References

{{Tehsils of Balochistan

Tehsils of Hub District
Hub District