The federal government on Friday told the Senate that the New Gwadar International Airport, which became operational on January 20, 2025, along with the Gwadar Free Zone and improved road connectivity, is expected to enhance access for Balochistan’s agricultural, mineral and fisheries sectors to national and international markets.
Responding during the Question Hour on behalf of the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the airport and associated infrastructure were part of broader efforts to strengthen trade logistics and economic activity in the province.
He informed the House that the Gwadar Free Zone, spread over approximately 2,281 acres at Gwadar Port, is fully operational and designed to support trade, re-export, warehousing, distribution and industrial activities.
The minister said the free zone also provides opportunities for processing, packaging and value addition of agricultural, mineral and fisheries products originating from Balochistan.
Dr Chaudhry told the Senate that investors in the free zone are being offered incentives, including a 23-year tax holiday on federal, provincial and local taxes, lease options of up to 99 years, and exemption from import duties and sales tax on machinery and equipment.
He added that one-window facilitation, ready warehouses, office spaces and industrial units have been established, along with security arrangements and internal infrastructure.
Highlighting connectivity measures, the minister said Gwadar Airport is linked with other districts through major highways, including the M-8 Ratodero–Gwadar motorway, the N-85 Hoshab–Surab highway and the N-10 Makran Coastal Highway connecting Gwadar with Karachi via Pasni and Ormara. He also said the N-25 Karachi–Quetta (Chaman) highway has been upgraded with federal funding.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government is responsible for ensuring road connectivity between Gwadar Port, the airport and other parts of Balochistan, while the development of warehousing and storage facilities at the airport falls under the Defence Division (Aviation), the Civil Aviation Authority and the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Responding to a supplementary question raised by Senator Danish Kumar regarding the Ratodero road and Gwadar-related infrastructure, the minister said the issue primarily fell within the planning domain, adding that detailed information had already been shared in response to the main question.
