Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism about the future of Gwadar, envisioning it as a world-class port city with vast opportunities for its residents. Speaking to a Chinese news agency, he praised the development of Gwadar Port as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Iqbal emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar, highlighting China’s significant role in its development and the broader socioeconomic upliftment in Pakistan. He noted China’s efforts in establishing modern infrastructure, including a high-quality hospital and technical training institution, along with providing solar panels for electricity to the local population.
The minister commended China’s contributions, particularly in providing scholarships to Gwadar’s youth for higher education in Chinese universities. He acknowledged China’s valuable support in improving the lives of people in Gwadar and the surrounding region.
Iqbal also appreciated China’s willingness to share its success and assist other countries in infrastructure development for socioeconomic progress.
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2013 as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Gwadar Port with Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Initially focusing on energy, transport, and industrial sectors, the project has expanded to include agriculture and livelihood development in subsequent phases.
