ISLAMABAD: The lau­n­ch of a Chinese-fun­d­ed airport in Balochistan has been delayed for a sec­urity assessment following the recent fatal militant attacks in the province, according to officials.

Part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the $200 million airport in Gwadar, a joint venture between Pakistan, Oman and China is close to completion.

The initial plan was for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to inaugurate the airport on Aug 14 alongside Chinese officials, but that was called off after a Baloch rights group started a protest sit-in in the port city, the officials said.

Following recent atta­cks, two officials at the CAA and two others in the Balochistan government told Reuters that the start of flights would be delayed as the authorities review security in the region.

“The Chinese already had concerns about the security situation, and the recent attacks will definitely cause more delay,” one senior provincial government official said, requesting anonymity.

In in its comment, the Chinese foreign ministry said: “China is willing to work with the Pakistani side to continue to do a good job in the relevant security work and ensure … progress of the corridor construction.”

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2024