Pakistan has moved to accelerate planning for the proposed Nokundi-Gwadar road corridor as the government seeks to improve transport links between Balochistan’s mineral-producing regions and seaports.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal called for closer coordination among the federal government, the Government of Balochistan and mining companies to advance the proposed corridor.
He made the remarks during a meeting with senior representatives of Barrick Mining Corporation on Thursday, November 12. The discussions focused on transport infrastructure, technical requirements, feasibility studies and financing arrangements for the proposed road link.
According to Business Recorder, Iqbal stressed that efficient road and rail connections to ports were essential for transporting minerals, facilitating exports and attracting investment in the mining sector.
Joint Working Group Proposed for Corridor Development
During the meeting, Iqbal proposed forming an immediate joint working group involving the Ministry of Planning, the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Balochistan government and mining companies.
The proposed group would coordinate work on the corridor’s technical requirements, feasibility assessment, financing and implementation arrangements.
The minister also called for detailed topographical surveys and three-dimensional (3D) mapping to accelerate the feasibility study for the missing link in the proposed route.
Such technical information would help authorities assess the terrain, determine infrastructure requirements and evaluate the most suitable alignment for the corridor.
The Barrick delegation welcomed the proposed coordination mechanism and discussed technical requirements, logistics planning and engagement with relevant government authorities.
The company representatives also discussed developing the corridor in accordance with applicable regulations and government approval procedures.
Corridor to Support Balochistan’s Mineral Exports
The proposed Nokundi-Gwadar corridor aims to connect mineral-rich areas of Balochistan with Gwadar and other port infrastructure, improving the movement of mineral resources towards domestic and international markets.
Balochistan holds significant deposits of copper, gold and other minerals. However, transporting these resources from remote mining areas to processing facilities and export terminals requires reliable road and rail infrastructure.
Improved connectivity could help reduce logistical constraints, facilitate the movement of heavy mining equipment and support the development of mineral-processing and export activities.
The corridor is also relevant to the development of the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Chagai district. In March 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to prepare feasibility work on road and railway connections between the mining site and Gwadar Port to support the project’s logistics requirements.
The proposed road corridor is therefore part of broader efforts to link Balochistan’s mineral resources with transport and export infrastructure.
Pakistan Targets $100 Billion in Exports by 2035
Iqbal said Pakistan aims to increase its annual exports to $100 billion under the National Economic Transformation Plan 2035, with the mining and minerals sector expected to make a significant contribution.
The government has been seeking to attract international investment into mineral exploration, extraction and processing as part of its wider economic transformation agenda.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investors and accelerating infrastructure development required to support mining projects.
Better transport connectivity is considered important for converting mineral resources into exportable products, particularly in areas where long distances and limited infrastructure can increase transportation costs.
Gwadar’s Role in Pakistan’s Regional Connectivity Plans
Gwadar Port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistan’s broader plans to strengthen maritime trade and regional connectivity.
The port’s strategic location on the Arabian Sea offers opportunities to connect Balochistan’s resource-producing areas with international shipping routes.
Alongside the proposed road corridor, Pakistan has also been examining rail connectivity between Gwadar and Nokundi. A proposed railway link of around 680 kilometres has been discussed as a means of connecting the Chagai mineral belt with Gwadar and the national railway network.
The development of road and rail infrastructure could provide complementary transport options for bulk mineral shipments and other commercial cargo.
However, the Nokundi-Gwadar road corridor remains at the planning and feasibility stage. Its construction will depend on technical assessments, financing arrangements, coordination among stakeholders and the required government approvals.
The latest meeting with Barrick Mining Corporation marks another step in discussions on improving Balochistan’s mineral logistics and strengthening the link between mining investment and Pakistan’s port infrastructure.
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