Gwadar's Transformation: Master Plan Receives Green Light

During the meeting, all audit objections for the year 2009 were resolved. Ahmed, while briefing the committee, emphasized that within the next three to four years, Gwadar Port City would emerge as a new business hub, not only for China and Pakistan but also for Central Asian nations, including Afghanistan.

In response to a query, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Secretary of Maritime Affairs, highlighted that Gwadar Port currently handles a significant portion of Afghanistan's transit trade. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Uzbekistan authorities to establish a dry port there, catering to all Central Asian Republics. Ahmed added that Uzbekistan officials were eager to shift their trade to Gwadar due to its proximity.

Officials also hinted at more positive developments in Gwadar and other port cities within the next six months.

Regarding the Gwadar Smart City Master Plan, it envisions a long-term population exceeding two million people, with a substantial portion being high-paid expatriate professionals, potentially up to 80%.

The city is expected to attract high-paying jobs due to a tax-free environment, the inauguration of Pakistan's largest international airport, the establishment of high-tech industries, mega shopping centers, luxury resorts, and artificial islands.

The 75-page master plan, crafted by China Communications Construction Company in collaboration with Pakistan's Minister of Planning, Development, and Gwadar Development Authority, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for Gwadar to become South Asia's trade and economic hub. It aims for a GDP per capita of $15,000, which is ten times Pakistan's average.

Pakistan and China anticipate Gwadar's economy to surpass $30 billion annually in the long run, creating 1-1.2 million high-paying jobs, with an income per capita of $15,000. This would mark a significant increase compared to Pakistan's current income per capita of approximately $1,500.

Major projects in Gwadar include a $5 billion investment in the power sector, 15 new power plants, $1 billion for desalination plants producing 700,000 m3 of fresh water per day, a manmade island, a central business district, and Pakistan's tallest building, all within a tax-free environment.

Gwadar is poised for an influx of skilled workers and executives as it aspires to become South Asia's technological, industrial, and high-tech service hub.

According to the Gwadar Smart City Master Plan, Gwadar's economic output is projected to exceed $30 billion, generating up to 1.2 million jobs for skilled workers and professionals. The plan includes international exhibition centers, theme parks, luxury resorts, botanical gardens, and museums, all within Pakistan's first 'weapon-free' city.

Gwadar, set to surpass Karachi as the primary trade route with the Middle East, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and China by 2030, is on track to become the region's leading trade center.

To accommodate this growth, Gwadar will need approximately 15,800 new homes by 2025, 47,600 by 2030, and 254,500 by 2050, according to the Gwadar Smart City Master Plan.