Balochistan Province

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure the swift completion of major development projects in Gwadar, including the Gwadar University, New Gwadar International Airport and a seawater desalination plant, as the federal government moves to accelerate socio economic development in the coastal city.
In a statement shared on social media, the prime minister said he had ordered expedited progress on key public welfare and infrastructure schemes in Gwadar. He said the completion of the university and airport, along with the installation of a seawater desalination plant, would play an important role in improving access to education, connectivity and clean drinking water for local residents.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Gwadar remains central to Pakistan’s long-term development vision, adding that the city’s progress is directly linked to economic growth, regional connectivity and improved living standards in Balochistan. He stressed that peace, stability and prosperity in the province are essential for the overall development of the country.
During his recent visit to Gwadar, the prime minister reviewed progress on several ongoing and proposed development initiatives. These included the under-construction Gwadar Airport, which is being developed with international assistance, as well as projects aimed at strengthening local industry, agriculture and trade.
The prime minister also announced progress on a number of new initiatives, including the groundbreaking of a seawater desalination plant being developed with China’s assistance. The project is expected to help address the longstanding issue of clean drinking water shortage in Gwadar and provide relief to the local population.
In addition, industrial and agricultural projects such as a fertilizer plant, an expo center, an agricultural industrial park and a lubricant plant are also being planned as part of broader efforts to create employment opportunities and support economic activity in the region.
Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government is working in close coordination with the Balochistan government, local stakeholders and relevant institutions to move Gwadar’s development agenda forward. He said continued investment in infrastructure, basic facilities and industrial growth is necessary to unlock the city’s full potential.
Officials believe that the completion of major projects in Gwadar will not only improve connectivity and access to services for local communities but also strengthen the city’s role as an emerging economic and trade hub.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the government would continue to prioritize development schemes that directly benefit the people of Gwadar and contribute to the wider progress of Balochistan.

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan
The New Gwadar International Airport received its first trial flight from Karachi as private airline South Air launched an initial service between the two cities, marking an important development in efforts to improve air connectivity in Balochistan’s coastal region. The successful landing is being viewed as a significant milestone for the airport’s operational readiness and future commercial activity.
The New Gwadar International Airport has been developed under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor framework and is expected to play a major role in connecting Gwadar with major cities across Pakistan. The airport is designed to facilitate passenger movement, cargo handling and regional transport services, particularly in the Makran division and the wider coastal belt.
Officials and aviation stakeholders said the launch of trial flight operations would help assess route viability, airport systems and service arrangements before regular flight operations are expanded. They added that improved air links would reduce travel time between Gwadar, Karachi, Quetta and other cities, making movement easier for residents, business communities, investors and visitors.
The development is also expected to support trade, tourism and port related activity in Gwadar, which is being positioned as a major commercial and logistics hub. With Gwadar Port already serving as a key maritime facility, better coordination between sea and air transport could strengthen the city’s importance in regional connectivity.
A spokesperson for the private airline said improved connectivity between Gwadar’s seaport and international airport could help transform the city into a modern commercial and transit centre. The spokesperson said integrated maritime and air transport systems would create new opportunities for business, travel and logistics services.
Local stakeholders believe the new air route could also contribute to employment generation and economic growth in the region. They said regular flight operations would encourage investment, improve access to services and help connect Gwadar more effectively with national and international markets.
The first trial flight is being seen as a positive step for Gwadar’s long term development, as authorities continue work to make the airport fully operational and capable of supporting the city’s growing transport, trade and tourism requirements.

Gwadar | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan has invited oil-producing countries to establish strategic oil reserves at the proposed Energy City near Gwadar Port, in a move aimed at strengthening national energy security and transforming the country into a regional hub for energy storage, logistics and re-export.
Officials said the planned facility would allow Pakistan priority access to stored oil during emergencies, including wars, supply disruptions or international market shocks. The initiative is being developed as part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s maritime and energy infrastructure along its coastline.
According to officials, Kuwait has already expressed interest in exploring the development of strategic oil buffers under the project. Pakistan is also awaiting further progress on possible Saudi investment in oil reserves and refinery infrastructure at Gwadar.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry discussed the proposal during a meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Al-Mutairi. During the meeting, the minister presented investment opportunities in energy logistics, fuel storage and maritime infrastructure linked to the Energy City concept.
Pakistan has offered foreign investors opportunities in fuel storage facilities, bonded terminals, jetty construction and wider port infrastructure development. The proposed Energy City is expected to include storage and handling facilities for liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, crude oil and white oil products.
Officials said the plan also includes rental-based bonded storage systems to support regional trade and supply chains. These facilities would allow international companies and oil-producing countries to store fuel in Pakistan for onward supply, re-export or emergency use.
The proposed developments also include a multipurpose terminal at Port Qasim, along with additional terminals and expanded storage capacity at key maritime locations. Authorities believe such infrastructure could help Pakistan attract foreign investment while improving the country’s ability to manage fuel supply risks.
Discussions between Pakistani officials and the Kuwaiti envoy also covered broader cooperation in maritime infrastructure. The government assured facilitation for potential investors interested in Energy City-related projects, fuel storage facilities and port development.
The Kuwaiti ambassador expressed interest in reviewing the proposed projects and fuel storage opportunities in detail. Both sides agreed to continue consultations to identify practical areas of cooperation.
Earlier, the government announced the Pakistan Maritime Energy City under its long-term “Hundred Years Vision 2047–2147”. A 12-member committee has also been formed to identify locations for three to four new deep-sea ports along Pakistan’s coastline.
Officials said the Energy City is intended to support the storage and re-export of oil, LNG and LPG through integration with Pakistan’s port infrastructure. They added that the project could play an important role in enhancing regional energy trade while improving Pakistan’s long-term energy security.