New Gwadar Airport to create jobs, strengthen Pak-China ties: PM
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the New Gwadar International Airport as a milestone for regional development, highlighting its potential to boost prosperity and job opportunities in the area.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, in a high-level meeting on Monday, the premier extended heartfelt gratitude to China for constructing the state-of-the-art airport, calling it a testament to the strong Pakistan-China friendship.
He urged authorities to transform the airport into a bustling transit hub and ensure seamless road connectivity to enhance accessibility, particularly within the Balochistan province.
He also directed to improve the road system linking the New Gwadar International Airport with other areas of the country especially the province. Additionally, the prime minister also ordered to ensure fool proof security arrangements for the new airport.
During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that flights from Gwadar to Muscat would be started from January 10, 2025, whereas talks with regard to starting the domestic and international flight operations by the airlines of Pakistan, China, Oman and United Arab Emirates from Gwadar were underway.
Similarly, the current duration of flight operation of the Pakistan Airlines (PIA) between Karachi and Gwadar will soon be increased to three times per week.
It was informed in the meeting that the Gwadar Airport was the largest airport of the country in term of area which will be capable of handling A-380 airplanes whereas 400,000 people will travel through the airport annually.
Pakistan Airport Authority has already issued the Aerodrome Certificate to the New Gwadar Airport whereas the Pakistan Customs has also notified the airport.
Similarly, the staff of various departments such as Pakistan Airport Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Border Health Service has already been deputed at the airport, the meeting was told.
The land has also been allocated for facilities of cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo shades, technical ground support gadgets, fuel farms, hotels and shopping malls at the airport, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was told that all the banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan were also in contact with regard to establishment of bank branches and ATM machines at the airport,
Additionally, the meeting was told that the first part of East-Bay Expressway, meant to improve road link with the Gwadar International Airport had been completed while the feasibility of the second part was being prepared.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and other relevant high officials.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister for Privatization, Investment and Communication Abdul Aleem Khan participated in the meeting via video link.