PM Shehbaz: Gwadar Airport to Drive Jobs, Prosperity

Expressing gratitude to China for constructing

the state-of-the-art airport, the prime minister

termed it a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship

Associated Press of Pakistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the transformative potential of the New Gwadar International Airport, emphasizing its role in fostering regional prosperity and creating new job opportunities.

Pakistan-China Partnership Showcased

Expressing gratitude to China for constructing the state-of-the-art airport, the prime minister termed it a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. During a meeting on the airport’s operations, he directed authorities to develop strategies to position it as a busy transit hub.

Enhancing Connectivity and Security

The prime minister instructed the improvement of road links between the airport and other parts of the country, particularly Balochistan. He also ordered comprehensive security measures to ensure the airport’s safety.

Key Developments Announced

• International Flights: Flights from Gwadar to Muscat will commence on January 10, 2025. Discussions are ongoing to start domestic and international flights with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE.
• Expanded PIA Operations: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Karachi and Gwadar will soon increase to three per week.
• Airport Capacity: The New Gwadar International Airport, Pakistan’s largest in terms of area, can accommodate A-380 aircraft and is expected to serve 400,000 passengers annually.

Infrastructure and Services

• The Pakistan Airport Authority has issued the Aerodrome Certificate, and Pakistan Customs has also approved the airport for operations.
• Land has been allocated for cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo facilities, fuel farms, hotels, and shopping malls.
• Banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan are in discussions to establish branches and ATMs.

Road Connectivity Updates

The first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, connecting the airport to major routes, has been completed, while feasibility studies for the second phase are underway.

High-Level Participation

The meeting was attended by key ministers, including Khawaja Muhammad Asif (Defence and Aviation), Azam Nazeer Tarar (Law and Justice), and Ahad Khan Cheema (Economic Affairs). Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister Abdul Aleem Khan joined via video link.

Gateway to Development

The New Gwadar International Airport represents a critical milestone in Pakistan’s infrastructure development, aligning with the country’s vision for economic growth, regional connectivity, and strengthened partnerships with international stakeholders.