Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered immediate measures to operationalize the port of Gwadar commercially, Pakistan radio reported.
By chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister formed a committee, led by the Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal, in charge of working with the interested parties to guarantee the development of the port in a completely functional and modern center.
“The port of Gwadar has the potential to transform into a key player in the regional economy, and we must accelerate its operationalization,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, who also requested an international conference to raise awareness about the strategic importance of the port.
He emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive marketing strategy and strengthening diplomatic efforts to highlight the potential of the port.
The meeting was informed about the capacity of Gwadar Port to accommodate ships up to 50,000 tons of dead weight, providing life access to the Persian Gulf and serve as a transford point for Gulf countries.
In addition, the port is expected to play a key role in the development of the Baluchistan Mining and Aquacultures sectors and will facilitate trade with China and Central Asia.
The meeting also discussed the tax exemptions granted to the free zone of Gwadar, with the aim of encouraging investment. The rules of the free zone have also been established to attract more investors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was informed that criminal negligence in dredging operations between 2018 and 2022 had affected the depth of the port.
However, the dredging work completed in 2022-2023 has restored the capacity of the port. All public services services are now available in the port, and several public welfare projects have been initiated, including the Pak-China Friendship Hospital and the Gwadar Institute of Technical Education.
The government is also working to improve connectivity. A railroad link to the main M-4 line of Pakistan Railways is in development, and the Gwadar-Quetta highway, completed in 2018, has benefited several key areas in Baluchistan.
The construction of the Gwadar Eastbay highway is progressing, with more plans for a Nokundi road to Mashkhel and Mashkhel to Panjgur.
IQBAL proposed to modernize the load inspection facilities in the port using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to make Gwadar Port a Regional Trade and Development Center.
