Gwadar: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday – during his one-day visit – unveiled several infrastructure development projects for the strategic port city of Gwadar, including the Gwadar Free Zone (GFZ) Phase II, news sources reported.
As per the sources, the Phase II of the GFZ is 35 times larger, spanning an area of 2,200 acres of land, as compared to Phase I, which encompasses an area of 60 acres. During his visit, the premier inaugurated phase one of the GFZ and launched projects including an expo centre, agricultural industrial park and three factories. Following is the list of the projects unveiled:
On the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan also witnessed the signings of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chinese government for the development of a water desalination plant to address the port city’s water scarcity, as well as an agreement for solar generators’ grant to address the power needs of the Gwadar free zone and industrial zones.
The premier also announced various human development projects for the locals of Gwadar and deemed it necessary to promote inclusive growth. Some of the initiatives in this regard are as follows:
Establishment of a technical college,
Establishment of a hospital, university, low-cost loans for farmers and poor households
Announcement of a programme for the uplifting of Gwadar’s fishermen
Furthermore, the prime minister announced the development of a one-window for foreign investors looking to set up industries in the Gwadar Free Zone and Industrial Zone.
Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal stated that the provincial and federal governments have undertaken several initiatives aimed at elevating the people of Gwadar and bringing the province closer to financial parity with the rest of the country. He also cited the following initiatives that are currently underway to address the needs of the people and local communities:
Eastbay Expressway
180-kilometre water pipeline which would connect multiple dams
Desalination plant
Extension of the Gwadar hospital
Moreover, Chief Minister Jam Kamal also said that the efforts to bring a university to Gwadar are also in the pipeline.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
