Remarkable Achievement: Gwadar Sees Completion of 18 Mega Uplift Projects in Just Three Months, Ahsan Iqbal

Transforming Gwadar's Landscape and Future at an Unprecedented Pace

Remarkable Achievement: Gwadar Sees Completion of 18 Mega Uplift Projects in Just Three Months, Ahsan Iqbal


Following the unwavering commitment of the federal government, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has yielded remarkable results, particularly in the Gwadar region. Since 2022, there has been a visible transformation, with a staggering 637,124 metric tons of cargo having landed in Gwadar. This impressive figure stands in stark contrast to the 2018-2021 period, during which only 166,207 metric tons were handled.

These encouraging statistics were revealed by Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, during a meeting convened to assess Gwadar's project progress. The gathering included officials from various ministries, provincial representatives from Balochistan, and the Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). Jawad Akhtar Khokhar, Advisor for Maritime Affairs at the Planning Commission, provided an insightful presentation on the ongoing projects.

It's noteworthy that since the current government assumed office in April 2022, CPEC has experienced a resurgence after being somewhat overlooked by its predecessor. Major projects in Gwadar, such as the Gwadar Power Plant, distribution of 2000 boat engines to Gwadar's fishermen, the Khuzdar-Panjgur Transmission line connecting Markran with the National Grid via Nag-Basima, the New Gwadar International Airport Project, the China-Pak Friendship Hospital, the China-Pak Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar, the Gwadar East-bay Expressway Project, Gwadar Free Zone, and Gwadar Port, are on course to become regional gems.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that the incumbent government has diligently completed numerous projects in Gwadar, particularly those related to water and electricity, which were previously neglected. He also highlighted the doubling of the allocation for Balochistan in the recent budget, underscoring the federal government's commitment to uplifting a province that had been marginalized in the past. Over the last three months, 18 projects addressing education, healthcare, and social sectors have been completed to enhance the lives of Balochistan's residents. The Minister reiterated the government's dedication to reducing disparities in the region.

Moreover, the Minister pointed out that the supply of 100 MW of electricity from Iran will significantly improve the lives and business prospects of Gwadar's inhabitants. He directed KISCO to prioritize bill recovery and electricity supply in Gwadar while also launching a public awareness campaign to encourage prompt payment of electricity bills. This holistic approach aims to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.