ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The government has officially approved the New Gwadar Shipyard Mega Project, marking a significant step toward advancing the development of Gwadar Port under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The decision, based on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, will lead to the establishment of a Project Management Cell (PMC), aimed at overseeing the successful implementation of this high-priority initiative.
Project Management Cell and Financial Allocation
The government has allocated Rs. 200 million for the formation of the PMC, which will be tasked with managing the project’s operations. Relevant appointments will be made soon to ensure that the shipyard project adheres to established standard operating procedures (SOPs). The establishment of the PMC is expected to expedite the shipyard’s construction and operational phases, providing a strategic boost to Pakistan’s maritime sector.
Strategic Importance of the Shipyard
The New Gwadar Shipyard, which will occupy a 750-acre site, is set to become a hub for commercial shipbuilding and repair. The shipyard’s establishment aligns with broader CPEC Phase II goals, which aim to catalyze economic growth, create job opportunities, and enhance the country’s infrastructure.
Once operational, the shipyard will not only offer dry docking facilities for cargo ships visiting Gwadar Port but will also provide critical services for the construction of new ships. This project is expected to position Pakistan as a major player in the global shipbuilding industry, utilizing cutting-edge technology to meet international standards.
Local Employment and Development
Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defense Production, emphasized the project’s potential to generate employment, particularly for the local workforce in Balochistan. In a recent statement, he urged that the project be launched within this year and that job opportunities should be prioritized for the skilled and expert workers from Balochistan.
Senator Qadir also highlighted the importance of the Gwadar Shipyard Mega Project in enhancing Pakistan’s strategic position globally, noting that with modern technology and international standard facilities, the shipyard could rival some of the world’s best.
Conclusion and Next Steps
With land disputes nearing resolution, international tenders for the Gwadar Shipyard Project will soon be floated, inviting global companies to participate in the venture. The successful execution of this mega project is expected to not only boost Pakistan’s maritime industry but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic development under the CPEC framework.
