pk-china-user By Yasir Habib Khan
nder the initiative of Pathways to a Modern Coastal City of Gwadar, a high-level meeting was held on February 9 to promote blue economy including making Gwadar a premium, sustainable and world-class city for trade, tourism and investment.
The meeting wad chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, attended by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch, officials of Planning Commission, Gwadar Development Authority, Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, heads of concerned federal and provincial institutions and senior officers.
During the meeting, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Noorul Haq Baloch gave a detailed briefing on the operationalization of Gwadar Port, coastal tourism, blue economy, sustainable solutions for water and electricity, employment opportunities for the youth, declaration of Gwadar as a tax-free zone, development of fisheries sector, aquaculture, establishment of shipyards, and promotion of investment.
In the water and energy sector, instructions were given for installation of more RO plants unde the PPP mode in coastal areas, uninterrupted and stable power supply to Gwadar Free Zones, and expeditious implementation of power stabilization projects for coastal communities.
In the field of connectivity, matters discussed included the organization of Gwadar 2026 roadshow, the promotion of investment in collaboration with China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, inter-governmental negotiations for transshipment through Gwadar Port, the launch of at least one weekly flight between Islamabad-Gwadar, Nokundi-Gwadar railway connectivity and pre-feasibility studies of Gwadar-Sohar Underwater Tunnel and Maritime Corridor, as well as the launch of a ferry service with Oman.
With regard to industrial and commercial development, recommendations were made for the construction of a high-rise commercial complex in Gwadar under the PPP mode, the establishment of Gwadar Shipyard, and the prioritization of cluster-based projects of water resources in the coastal areas of Jiwani.
At the end of the meeting, it was decided to form a joint working group, to be chaired by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch, to finalize these recommendations and include more actionable suggestions. The working group will make more comprehensive recommendations on the overall development of Gwadar in the next few days so that practical steps can be initiated.
