Under the present government’s revitalization of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar has witnessed the completion of 8 significant uplift projects within a record-breaking three months. In a progress review meeting, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, revealed that cargo handling in Gwadar has surged to 637,124 metric tons from 166,207 metric tons between 2018 and 2021.
The meeting, attended by officials from relevant ministries, provincial representatives of Balochistan, and the Chairman of Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). Included a comprehensive presentation by Advisor Maritime Affairs, Planning Commission, Jawad Akhtar Khokhar, on the projects.
Since assuming power in April 2022, the current govt has breathed new life into CPEC, which was previously neglected. Notable projects in Gwadar include the Gwadar Power Plant, the distribution of 2000 boat engines to local fishermen, the Khuzdar-Panjgur transmission line. New Gwadar International Airport, China-Pak Friendship Hospital, China-Pak Technical and Vocational Institute, Gwadar East-bay Expressway, Gwadar Free Zone, and Gwadar Port development.
The government has focused on neglected areas such as water and electricity projects, and the recent budget has doubled the allocation for Balochistan. This reflects the commitment of the govt to uplift the province. In the past three months, 18 projects related to education, healthcare, and the social sector have been completed. That will surely improve the lives of the people of Balochistan and reduce disparities. The minister also highlighted the positive impact of the supply of 100MW of electricity from Iran on the lives and businesses in Gwadar.
Additionally, the minister instructed QESCO to prioritize bill recovery while ensuring a consistent electricity supply to the people of Gwadar.
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