The government announces initiatives to enhance Gwadar port.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance the operational capacity of Gwadar Port by introducing additional shipping routes and initiating a new ferry service linking Pakistan with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
A press statement issued on Tuesday indicated that the announcement occurred during a high-level meeting presided over by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, in Islamabad.
Chaudhry stated, “The initiative is integral to the government’s comprehensive strategy to improve regional connectivity, stimulate maritime commerce, and establish Gwadar as a significant hub in the Arabian Sea.” “Our objective is to convert Gwadar into a pivotal transshipment and logistics hub, advantageous for Pakistan and the broader region.”
The minister underscored that with Gwadar Port now fully operational, it is imperative to expedite its incorporation into global maritime networks. He instructed pertinent departments to implement all requisite measures to enhance the port’s commercial operations and realize its full potential.
He stated that supplementary shipping routes will be linked to Gwadar to enhance the movement of goods, foster transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East, and bolster Pakistan’s expanding role in the regional logistics framework.
The federal minister asserted that the new routes will alleviate congestion at current ports and facilitate swifter, more efficient cargo processing.
The ministry has planned to initiate a ferry service from Gwadar to GCC countries, in addition to improving cargo operations. This initiative is anticipated to establish a cost-effective, direct maritime connection for passengers and cargo, particularly benefiting expatriate communities and cross-border traders.
