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GWADAR: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Dr Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that this year marked a turning point for Gwadar and that the federal government was taking concrete steps to develop the port city as a centre of the blue economy, trade and regional connectivity.
Presiding over a high-level meeting, the minister added that the development of Balochistan was integral to Pakistan’s overall progress and stressed that the time had come to place Gwadar firmly on the path to global prominence.
The meeting discussed the pathways to a Modern Coastal City initiative aimed at developing Gwadar into a world-class, sustainable city for trade, tourism and investment, while promoting the blue economy.
The meeting was held in Islamabad and attended by Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, heads of the Planning Commission, Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, and other relevant federal and provincial departments. GDA Director General Moin-ur-Rahman Khan joined the meeting via video link.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal says this year marks a turning point for coastal city’s development
The GPA chairman briefed the participants on the operationalisation of Gwadar Port, coastal tourism, fisheries development, aquaculture, establishment of a shipyard, tax-free zones, sustainable water and energy solutions, and employment opportunities for youth.
Recommendations were made to complete eight ongoing resorts under the Balochistan Coastal Development Authority, prepare a comprehensive coastal tourism master plan, establish clear land-use and zoning frameworks, and promote public-private partnerships (PPP) to attract investment, including international hotel chains through tax incentives and other packages.
The meeting also focused on infrastructure and connectivity projects, including the Gwadar 2026 Roadshow, transshipment negotiations through Gwadar Port, introduction of a minimum weekly Islamabad — Gwadar flight, the Nokundi — Gwadar railway link, feasibility studies for the proposed Gwadar — Sohar underwater tunnel and maritime corridor, and the launch of a ferry service with Oman.
Industrial and commercial development priorities discussed included the construction of high-rise commercial complexes, establishment of a shipyard, and cluster-based aquaculture projects in coastal areas.
Attention was also given to the social sector, with directives to fully operationalise Gwadar University by 2026 and ensure the timely completion of the Gwadar Smart City project.
To implement the recommendations, a joint working group will be formed under the leadership of Noor-ul-Haq Baloch to present comprehensive, actionable proposals for Gwadar’s overall development.
Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026
