Islamabad, December 30, 2024: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the transformative potential of the New Gwadar International Airport, stating that it will usher in prosperity for the region and create numerous job opportunities.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, the prime minister expressed gratitude to China for constructing the state-of-the-art airport, calling it a testament to the enduring Pakistan-China friendship. He directed authorities to develop strategies to position the airport as a vital transit hub and to enhance road connectivity between the airport and other regions, especially within Balochistan.
The prime minister also called for robust security arrangements at the airport, underscoring its importance as a critical infrastructure project.
During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that flights between Gwadar and Muscat would commence on January 10, 2025. Discussions are underway with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE to expand domestic and international flight operations. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is also set to increase its Karachi-Gwadar flights to three weekly trips.
The New Gwadar International Airport, the largest in Pakistan by area, is designed to handle A-380 aircraft and will serve approximately 400,000 passengers annually. The Pakistan Airport Authority has already issued the Aerodrome Certificate, and Pakistan Customs has notified the airport for operations.
Key infrastructure developments are underway, including land allocation for cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo facilities, fuel farms, hotels, and shopping malls. Banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan are in talks to establish branches and install ATMs at the airport.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the East-Bay Expressway, a critical road link to the airport. While the first segment of the expressway has been completed, feasibility studies for the second segment are in progress.
Attendees included Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, and Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with other senior officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Minister for Privatization and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan, participated via video link.
The prime minister’s directives underscore the government’s commitment to making Gwadar a key hub for economic activity, regional connectivity, and international trade.
