Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan’s largest airport, located in the restive Balochistan province, officially opened on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The Gwadar International Airport, constructed with financial backing from China, is expected to become a major hub for both domestic and international air travel. The airport has an annual passenger capacity of 400,000, and its inauguration is seen as a major step forward for the region, which has long struggled with security challenges and underdevelopment. The launch ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, along with Chinese officials, who were present to celebrate the completion of the $230 million project. The event was highlighted by the arrival of the first flight from Karachi, operated by Pakistan International Airlines, marking the official commencement of operations at the airport.
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According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning and Development, the airport’s infrastructure is designed to accommodate various aircraft types, including ATR 72s, Airbus A300s, Boeing 737s, and Boeing 747s. This makes it a versatile facility capable of supporting both passenger and cargo traffic on domestic and international routes. The airport spans a vast 4,300 hectares, making it the largest airport in Pakistan by area. Construction of the airport began in 2019, with funding provided by China as part of its broader investments in the region under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar, a strategically located city on the Arabian Sea, is a key element of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The airport is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the connectivity of the region, providing direct access to global shipping lanes and facilitating trade between China, Pakistan, and other countries.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and former Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier inaugurated the airport in a joint ceremony, highlighting the deepening collaboration between the two nations. However, the airport’s operational launch has been delayed in recent years due to security concerns, primarily arising from increasing attacks on Chinese workers involved in various projects across Balochistan. These attacks have been attributed to Baloch separatist groups, which oppose Chinese investment in the region. The groups accuse China and the Pakistani government of exploiting the region’s resources for economic gain, without benefiting the local population. This sentiment has added a layer of complexity to the project, as addressing security concerns and gaining local support will be crucial for the long-term success of the airport and other infrastructure initiatives in the area.
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The opening of Gwadar International Airport symbolizes the growing partnership between China and Pakistan and underscores the strategic importance of the city as a center of trade and logistics. Additionally, the airport’s proximity to the Gwadar Port, another major project under the Belt and Road Initiative, will also enhance Pakistan’s global trade connectivity. Together, the port and the airport are expected to foster greater international investment and facilitate the transportation of goods, particularly seafood, which has significant export potential from the region. While the airport promises to bring economic opportunities to the region, the concerns of the local Baloch population cannot be overlooked.
Baloch nationalist groups have long argued that projects like the Gwadar Airport and the Gwadar Port have been developed without adequate consultation or benefits for the local communities. The ongoing tension in Balochistan highlights the need for more inclusive policies that ensure that economic growth and development extend to the people of the province, who have historically felt marginalized. Furthermore, the airport is also seen as a critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to improve infrastructure and trade links between China and Pakistan. As CPEC evolves to focus more on industrial cooperation, the Gwadar International Airport is positioned to play a central role in boosting regional trade and enhancing Pakistan’s economic standing on the international stage.
With its advanced facilities, including refrigerated cargo terminals, the airport is expected to be a boon for local industries, particularly seafood exports, which will be able to reach international markets more efficiently. Furthermore, improved passenger services will bring more visitors to the region, creating opportunities for tourism and industrial development. Moreover, the airport’s development aligns with the upgraded version of CPEC, which emphasizes industrialization and regional integration, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s position as a key player in the broader Asian economic landscape. As Gwadar International Airport begins operations, it stands as a symbol of both opportunity and challenge. Its success will depend not only on its ability to attract international investment but also on addressing the complex security issues and ensuring that the local Baloch population sees tangible benefits from the region’s development.
