Islamabad – 25 April 2025: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal reviewed the Gwadar Port operational plan during a high-level session. He directed fast-tracking the ML-4 railway project and developing Gwadar as a mining port with proper ore-handling infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar and senior officials from foreign affairs, maritime, interior, commerce, and provincial departments attended the session. Discussions focused on formulating an effective strategy for port operations and regional trade integration.
Iqbal urged authorities to appoint full-time, skilled project directors to prevent administrative delays and ensure smooth execution of plans. Member Infrastructure Waqas Anwar updated the committee on previous progress and outlined pending implementation tasks.
Local communities, particularly the fishing sector, must be included in development efforts, Iqbal asserted. He stressed linking these communities to national programmes like the Uraan Pakistan Export Enhancement Strategy to safeguard livelihoods.
Additionally, he called for a comprehensive business plan prepared by qualified consultants to ensure coordinated sectoral development. A Pakistan-GCC trade corridor via the Gwadar-Muscat route was also proposed for regional connectivity.
Timely completion of key projects such as the N-85 and Coastal Highway remains crucial, Iqbal said. He reviewed the Safe City Project, Gwadar Port operational plan and urged swift implementation by the Ministry of Interior and Balochistan government.
Iqbal directed authorities to align revised urban development plans with national goals. He instructed them to submit a new PC-1 under the Gwadar Urban Development Plan and urgently resolve land allocation issues.
Additionally, Iqbal stated that tourism development in Gwadar must attract global hospitality brands. He proposed developing secure residential zones for foreign staff and visitors, modeling them after Sharm El Sheikh and Dammam.
Moreover, Strategic goals from 2025 to 2027 include roll-on/roll-off terminal studies, engagement with Afghan transit traders, and consultations with major global shipping lines.
Disclaimer: The Planning Ministry has verified this news as authentic through its official statements..
