Planning Minister terms New Gwadar Int’l Airport as milestone

Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says New Gwadar International Airport, gifted by China to Pakistan is another milestone and flagship project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Talking to the media in Beijing, Planning Minister expressed hope that this airport would become an important hub of air transportation and a gateway to connect different regions in future.

He said the airport is ready to be opened will stand as a monument of Pakistan-China friendship.

Earlier, Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandukhail stated on Thursday that the operationalization of Gwadar Port could significantly boost the region's economy. He expressed regret that the over 700-kilometer-long coastline of Balochistan has not been fully utilized. These comments were made during a meeting with Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar, Prof Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Manzoor Ahmed at Governor House Quetta.

The governor urged the Vice Chancellor to promptly research the potential of the blue economy, the development of a modern maritime industry, and the promotion of marine and coastal tourism along Balochistan's extensive coastline. This research aims to inform both federal and provincial governments about the economic opportunities available.

Governor Mandukhail emphasized that for a prosperous future, the University of Gwadar must integrate blue economy revenue generation into its strategic plan.