PM Shehbaz Sharif Directs Half of Public Cargo to Transit Through Gwadar Port
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated that 50 percent of all public sector cargo be routed through Gwadar port, according to a statement from the premier’s office. This directive aims to boost the strategic deep-sea port located on the Arabian Sea in Balochistan, which is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Gwadar, a key asset in China’s investment in Pakistan, has seen significant development despite ongoing local insurgency. The port, managed by the China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), is set for an ambitious expansion to handle up to 400 million tons of cargo annually and plans to develop 100 berths by 2045.
Currently, the port’s potential remains underutilized due to logistical challenges, including its distance from major markets, security concerns, and service limitations. However, Sharif’s recent instructions reflect a strong push to integrate Gwadar more deeply into Pakistan’s commercial operations, following a review of Chinese investments and a visit by Chinese experts from late July to early August.
