pk-china-user Ahead of the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Gwadar (JWG on Gwadar) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important preparatory meeting was held in Islamabad on August 25.
The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of completed, ongoing, and future development projects in Gwadar. It was chaired by Secretary of the Planning Commission, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor, and attended by senior officials from various federal ministries, divisions, and relevant agencies. Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan, and Director General of Operations at the Gwadar Port Authority, Dawood Kalmati, joined the meeting via video link.
Participants carried out a comprehensive review of the progress of completed CPEC projects in Gwadar, assessed the current status of ongoing initiatives, and discussed proposed future projects. The review was aimed at facilitating important decisions and finalizing a future roadmap for these initiatives ahead of the 9th Joint Working Group meeting, which is scheduled to take place next week.
During the briefing, DG GDA Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan presented detailed information about the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan (2017-2050), its implementation progress, and Gwadar’s future urban and economic development. The master plan is one of the key completed projects under CPEC and serves as a fundamental guiding document for Gwadar’s future urban development, land use, micro-planning, infrastructure development, and economic activities.
DG GDA also gave a detailed briefing on the progress and current operational status of the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital Gwadar. He noted that the hospital, which is being managed by the Indus Hospital & Health Network, is a significant and valuable gift from China to the people of Gwadar, Makran, and Balochistan. The facility is playing an important role in providing quality healthcare services to the local population.
During the meeting, DG GDA proposed the inclusion of the expansion of the Pak-China Friendship Hospital among future CPEC projects. The proposal includes increasing the hospital’s capacity to 300 beds and establishing a medical college and a nursing college. The initiative aims to provide the people of Gwadar and Balochistan with modern healthcare facilities and medical education under one platform.
He also proposed including the development of a modern fish landing jetty, fish harbor, and boat-building industry at Gwadar’s West Bay/Padi Zir in future CPEC projects. The proposed initiative aims to modernize facilities for Gwadar’s fishing industry, create improved business opportunities for local fishermen, promote the boat-building sector, and contribute to strengthening the local economy.
