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PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Urgent Measures to Operationalize Gwadar Port

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed immediate steps to make Gwadar Port fully operational for commercial activities. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the PM formed a high-level committee, led by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, to coordinate efforts with all stakeholders.

Sharif emphasized the need for an international conference to promote the port’s strategic and economic significance and called for an effective marketing and diplomatic strategy to attract global investors.

Key Points from the Meeting:

  • Strategic Importance: Gwadar Port offers cost-effective and time-efficient access to the Persian Gulf for vessels up to 50,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT).
  • Economic Impact: The port can boost trade for China’s western regions and Central Asian states, as well as Balochistan’s mineral and aquaculture sectors.
  • Tax Incentives: The Gwadar Free Zone is exempt from all federal, provincial, and local taxes, making it an attractive investment hub.
  • Infrastructure Development: Work is underway to link Gwadar with M-4, integrating it with Pakistan’s rail network.
  • AI-Driven Modernization: The planning minister proposed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance cargo inspection facilities at the port.

Dredging Issues Resolved

Ahsan Iqbal informed the cabinet that between 2018 and 2022, Gwadar Port’s depth had decreased due to dredging negligence. However, extensive dredging efforts in 2022-23 have restored its previous depth, ensuring smooth operations for large vessels.

Next Steps

With enhanced marketing, policy incentives, and infrastructure upgrades, the government aims to position Gwadar as a regional trade hub, linking Pakistan with global maritime routes and major trade corridors.

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