Pakistan has reviewed completed, ongoing, and proposed CPEC projects in Gwadar ahead of the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Gwadar.
The preparatory meeting took place in Islamabad on August 25. Planning Commission Secretary Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor chaired the session.
Senior officials from federal ministries and relevant agencies attended the meeting. Officials from the Gwadar Development Authority and Gwadar Port Authority also joined through video link.
Review of Gwadar Development Projects
The meeting examined progress on major projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Officials reviewed completed projects, ongoing development, and proposed initiatives. They also discussed priorities for the upcoming Joint Working Group meeting.
The review will help both sides finalize decisions and establish a roadmap for future development.
Gwadar Master Plan Guides Urban Growth
GDA Director General Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan briefed officials on the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2017-2050.
The plan provides a framework for Gwadar’s urban development and future economic growth. It covers land use, infrastructure, micro-planning, and commercial activities.
Moreover, officials reviewed progress on implementing the master plan and discussed future urban development needs.
Hospital Expansion Proposed Under CPEC
The meeting also reviewed the operational status of the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital.
The Indus Hospital & Health Network manages the facility. The hospital provides healthcare services to residents of Gwadar, Makran, and Balochistan.
Furthermore, the GDA proposed expanding the hospital to 300 beds under future CPEC projects.
The proposal also includes a medical college and a nursing college. These facilities could expand both healthcare services and medical education in the region.
Modern Facilities Planned for Fishing Sector
Officials also discussed proposals to modernize Gwadar’s fishing industry.
The GDA proposed a modern fish landing jetty, fish harbor, and boat-building industry at West Bay, also known as Padi Zir.
The proposed facilities aim to improve conditions for local fishermen. They could also create new business opportunities and strengthen Gwadar’s maritime economy.
Key CPEC Projects Under Review
The meeting covered several major projects in Gwadar, including:
- Gwadar Port and Free Zone
- New Gwadar International Airport
- East Bay Expressway
- Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute
- Water supply projects
- Desalination plants
- Pak-China Friendship Hospital
Officials also reviewed development at the Gwadar Free Zone. Phase-I has been completed, while work on Phase-II continues.
Gwadar Development Focuses on Local Economy
Officials emphasized that CPEC development in Gwadar goes beyond port and commercial activities.
The broader objective includes improving urban facilities, healthcare, education, water supply, employment, and economic opportunities.
In addition, future priorities for Gwadar Port include construction of a breakwater and dredging of berthing areas and navigation channels.
Water supply for industrial areas also remains an important priority.
Roadmap to Accelerate Gwadar Development
Gwadar Port Authority Director General of Operations Dawood Kalmati briefed officials on the operational status of Gwadar Port, the Free Zone, and other related projects.
Meanwhile, participating agencies were directed to submit updated progress reports and finalize their priorities.
These preparations will support the 9th Joint Working Group meeting and help accelerate future CPEC projects in Gwadar.
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