New Gwadar Airport to bring prosperity to area: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the enhancement of communication and road infrastructure between the New Gwadar International Airport and other regions of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan province.

He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Monday regarding the New Gwadar International Airport. During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed the relevant authorities to develop a feasible strategy to make the airport a busy transit hub.Chinese PM Li Qiang in Pakistan on four-day visit

The Prime Minister highlighted that the operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport would bring economic prosperity to the region and create significant employment opportunities.

He also emphasized that the airport stands as a prominent symbol of the strong friendship between Pakistan and China, expressing gratitude to China for providing this modern, international-standard airport. Additionally, he directed that stringent security measures should be implemented at the airport.

The meeting was informed that the New Gwadar International Airport, the largest in the country in terms of area, is capable of handling 400,000 passengers annually and accommodating A-380 aircraft. Flights from Gwadar to Muscat are set to begin on the 10th of next month, and discussions are ongoing with private airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to establish both domestic and international flight operations from Gwadar.

The meeting also received updates on the progress of road connectivity. The first phase of the East-Bay Expressway has been completed, and feasibility studies for the second phase are currently underway.

Additionally, personnel from the Pakistan Airport Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Services have been stationed at the airport to ensure its smooth operation.