At the epicentre of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global commitment to human-centric development unfolds. My journalistic journey led me to the pivotal BRI Forum in Beijing, a gathering that underscores China's unwavering dedication to propelling nations toward prosperity. Emphasizing the centrality of human development in its vision for an interconnected world, China's commitment echoes through collaborative endeavours.
Against the backdrop of this international collaboration, Gwadar emerges as a beacon of transformative progress. The completion of the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital and the Gwadar Seawater Desalination Plant in November 2023, generously funded by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marks the dawn of a new era for the region.
The hospital's featuring an added 100 beds, signifies a remarkable leap in healthcare capacity, ensuring that the people of Gwadar will now benefit from state-of-the-art health facilities. With the ability to accommodate up to 900 patients daily, this development heralds a new era of medical services for the community. Simultaneously, the plant's capacity to produce an impressive 5000 tons of freshwater daily marks a significant milestone, ensuring the people of Gwadar now have access to pure and abundant water, transforming their daily lives.
Previously, the residents of Gwadar lacked access to such advanced facilities. However, with the invaluable support of China, a transformative change has occurred. Now, the community not only has access to quality healthcare but also the assurance of receiving superior health treatments. Additionally, the collaboration ensures a newfound supply of pure water, enhancing the overall well-being of the people in Gwadar. Additionally, according to WaterAid data, 22.1 million people in Pakistan don't have access to clean water close to home."
The completion of the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital and the Gwadar Seawater Desalination Plant showcases tangible benefits arising from strategic collaboration. Beyond addressing immediate needs, these projects lay the groundwork for sustained growth and prosperity. The holistic approach, covering healthcare, infrastructure, and skill development, exemplifies the multifaceted impact of CPEC on local communities.
As Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar echoes sentiments of enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, lauding CPEC projects as pivotal drivers of progress. Singling out the "China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital" and the seawater desalination plant, he recognizes their catalytic role in Gwadar's development. The dire issue of drinking water scarcity, a longstanding concern, is poised to witness a transformative resolution, marking a pivotal milestone in community welfare.
And China's Ambassador in Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, extends gratitude for the collaborative spirit evident in federal and Balochistan government projects. He emphasizes the positive impact of the Water Plant on Gwadar's residents and the enhanced healthcare provided by the Friendship Hospital. Ambassador Jiang underscores the shared objective of the timely completion of CPEC projects, reflecting the robust bond between the two nations.
Gwadar Port, a linchpin in the CPEC framework, emerges as a key player in regional employment, offering opportunities for 236,000 individuals. The registration of 46 companies for the port exemplifies the commitment to fostering cooperation between China and Pakistan. Ambitious plans, including solar panel projects in Balochistan and the establishment of an emergency centre in Quetta, further solidify the commitment to regional development.
China's Expanded Support, A Grateful Region Looks Forward
In a significant expansion of support, China announces a solar panel project and an emergency centre in Quetta, eliciting gratitude from both the local populace and the Chinese government. These initiatives underscore the commitment to addressing regional needs and fostering long-term collaboration, reaffirming the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
The collaborative journey between China and Pakistan reaches new heights with the successful culmination of transformative projects in Gwadar. Strides in healthcare, water resource management, and infrastructure underscore the commitment to shared progress. As Gwadar emerges as a hub of development, the enduring friendship between the two nations stands as a beacon for future collaborative endeavours, promising prosperity for the people of both countries and beyond. "Bridging Dreams" encapsulates the vision that unfolds as Gwadar undergoes its renaissance, connecting nations and dreams for a brighter future.