In preparation for the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Gwadar (JWG on Gwadar) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important meeting has been held here.

The meeting aimed at discussing the implementation of completed, ongoing, and future projects in Gwadar.

The meeting was chaired by Secretary of the Planning Commission, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Noor, and was attended by senior officials from various federal ministries, divisions, and relevant agencies, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro.

Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan, and Director General of Operations at the Gwadar Port Authority, Dawood Kalmati, participated via video link.

The meeting conducted a detailed review of the progress of completed CPEC projects in Gwadar, the current status of ongoing projects, and proposed future initiatives.

This review aimed to facilitate key decisions and finalize the future roadmap for these projects during the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group, scheduled for the coming week.

During the briefing, DG GDA Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan provided detailed insights into the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan (2017-2050), its implementation progress, and the future urban and economic development of Gwadar.

The Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan is among the key completed projects under CPEC and serves as the foundational guideline document for Gwadar's future urban development, land use, micro-planning, infrastructure, and economic activities.

DG GDA also gave a comprehensive briefing on the progress and current operational status of the GDA Pak-China Friendship Hospital Gwadar.

He stated that the hospital, managed by the Indus Hospital & Health Network, is a significant and valuable gift from China to the people of Gwadar, Makran, and Balochistan, playing a vital role in providing quality healthcare services to the local population.

During the meeting, DG GDA proposed that the expansion of the Pak-China Friendship Hospital be included in future CPEC projects.

The proposal envisions increasing the hospital's capacity to 300 beds, along with the establishment of a medical college and a nursing college. These proposals aim to provide the people of Gwadar and Balochistan with medical education and modern healthcare facilities under one platform.

He further proposed that the development of a modern fish landing jetty, fish harbor, and boat-building industry at Gwadar's West Bay/Padi Zir be included in future CPEC projects.

This project aims to equip Gwadar's fishing industry with modern facilities, create better business opportunities for local fishermen, promote boat-building, and strengthen the local economy.

The meeting also deliberated in detail on other key CPEC projects in Gwadar, including Gwadar Port and Free Zone, New Gwadar International Airport, East Bay Expressway, Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, water supply and desalination plants, among others.

On this occasion, Director General of Operations at Gwadar Port Authority, Dawood Kalmati, briefed the meeting on the current operational status of Gwadar Port, Gwadar Free Zone Phase-I and Phase-II, the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, and other related projects. Phase-I of the Gwadar Free Zone has been completed, while development work on a vast area for Phase-II is ongoing.

The meeting was also informed that the core objective of the ongoing development under CPEC in Gwadar is not only to promote port and commercial activities but also to equip Gwadar city with modern urban amenities, healthcare, education, water, employment, and economic opportunities.

Future allied priorities under CPEC for Gwadar Port include the construction of a breakwater, dredging of berthing areas and channels, and water supply projects for industries.

During the meeting, all relevant agencies were directed to finalize the latest progress updates, priorities, and future roadmaps for these projects in preparation for the upcoming Joint Working Group meeting, so that the pace of Gwadar's development under CPEC can be further accelerated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China