Gwadar, Pakistan — July 17, 2025:
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has reiterated his commitment to transforming Gwadar into a cutting-edge maritime and logistics hub aligned with Pakistan’s national interests and regional development strategies.
During an official visit to Gwadar, the minister met with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haque. The chairman provided a comprehensive briefing on port performance, ongoing initiatives, and future business development plans. The minister emphasized the need for inclusive policies that reflect local realities while fostering national pride and economic prosperity.
Highlighting the untapped potential of Balochistan’s coastal and agricultural zones, the minister focused on the significance of the region’s fishing and date production industries. The Makran coast, he noted, contributes 40% of Pakistan’s total fish catch, while Kech and Panjgur districts produce over half of the country’s premium dates. Yet, due to the absence of proper value-addition facilities, around 30–40% of the produce is lost post-harvest—directly impacting export viability.
Chaudhry called upon both public and private sector stakeholders to invest in essential infrastructure such as fish and date processing units with capabilities for cleaning, freezing, drying, grading, and packaging. He also stressed the importance of building cold storage and integrated logistics systems to enhance Pakistan’s export efficiency.
One of the key developments discussed during the visit was the plan to construct an Off-Dock Terminal near the New Gwadar International Airport. The project will span 100 acres, costing Rs497 million, and is expected to be completed within a year. Once operational, the terminal will reduce demurrage costs, strengthen trade confidence, and significantly boost port revenues.
Additionally, the terminal is projected to serve as a vital link for landlocked Central Asian nations—such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—by lowering their transit and cargo costs through access to Gwadar Port.
The minister also visited the China Business Center, where he received updates on the Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar International Terminal. He instructed officials to ensure accelerated progress and timely implementation of ongoing projects.
This renewed focus on Gwadar underscores the government’s strategic intent to establish the port city as a regional trade and logistics powerhouse.
