In a landmark move to accelerate development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has green-lit the “New Gwadar Shipyard Mega Project,” activating a dedicated Project Management Cell (PMC) with an initial allocation of Rs 200 million. The initiative aims to transform Gwadar Port into a hub for commercial shipbuilding, repair, and economic growth.
The PMC will oversee the project’s execution, adhering to strict SOPs, with appointments for key roles underway. A Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) official stated the shipyard will “Incentivize maritime industries, generate jobs, and spur regional prosperity,” leveraging 750 acres of demarcated land. With a longstanding land dispute nearing resolution, international tenders will soon invite global firms to participate in constructing the state-of-the-art facility.
Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defence Production, emphasized the project’s strategic significance, urging swift implementation. “This year marks a critical juncture. Prioritizing employment for Balochistan’s experts and laborers will ensure inclusive growth,” he said. The shipyard, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is poised to elevate Pakistan among world-class maritime players, offering dry docking and shipbuilding services to cargo vessels at Gwadar Port.
The project aligns with CPEC’s vision to enhance Gwadar’s infrastructural and economic capacity, fostering trade connectivity and industrial expansion. As Pakistan eyes a prominent role in global maritime commerce, the New Gwadar Shipyard signals a transformative leap for Balochistan and the nation at large.
