Ahmed Khan Malik

The business community in Balochistan has commended the operationalisation of New Gwadar International Airport, which it believes would usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the hitherto backward region.

They noted that the New Gwadar International Airport, Pakistan’s largest airport, marks a major leap forward in connecting Balochistan to global markets. It is expected to open new avenues for trade, investment, and tourism, enhancing Gwadar’s strategic significance.  Naveed Hussain, Secretary General of the Balochistan Industrial Forum, told WealthPK that the inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport is a milestone in the province’s development. “It would drive economic growth in the province.” 

“The operationalisation of the airport will pave the way for prosperity, fostering domestic and international trade, tourism, and investment,” said Hussain. He further emphasised that this project would create new employment opportunities for the youth. He praised the phased completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, including Gwadar airport, accelerating Balochistan’s development.

“CPEC-related projects will enhance infrastructure and significantly increase economic activities in the province,” he noted.  Tariq Jogazai, Secretary of the Businessmen Group in Quetta, said that as one of the flagship projects under CPEC, the new airport is designed to be an international-grade airport capable of handling wide-body aircraft and catering to millions of passengers annually.

“This modern infrastructure not only reflects Gwadar’s growing importance as a maritime and trade hub but also paves the way for unprecedented economic opportunities and enhanced connectivity, fostering industries such as hospitality, retail, and logistics in a region previously marginalised by limited infrastructure,” he said.  Jogazai noted that the airport is expected to serve as a pivotal link in enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and its regional neighbours, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates and China.

He said that one of the most immediate and tangible benefits of the operationalisation of new airport is the creation of employment opportunities as the airport has already generated thousands of jobs during its construction phase, and its operational phase is expected to sustain and expand this trend. “From aviation staff to hospitality workers, logistics personnel, and support services, the airport will become a significant source of livelihood for the local population,” he said. 

Mussarat Rizvi, a leading industrialist in Hub Industrial Estate, said that the development of ancillary industries around the airport will contribute to long-term job creation. “Warehousing, cargo handling, tourism and retail businesses are likely to flourish, creating a multiplier effect on employment in the region.” “To meet the demand for skilled workers, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives will be essential. This will not only uplift local communities but also ensure that the region’s workforce is equipped to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk