Gwadar: An exhibition titled “Expo: Pathways to a Modern Coastal City” was held at the Expo Center in the Gwadar Free Zone, attracting strong participation from government departments and private sector organizations from across Pakistan.
The event showcased development initiatives, investment prospects, and urban planning efforts aimed at transforming Gwadar into a modern coastal hub. Numerous institutions set up stalls to highlight their projects, with the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) stall emerging as a major attraction for visitors.
Ahsan Iqbal Visits GDA Stall
Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal attended the expo as the chief guest. During his visit, he made a detailed stop at the GDA stall, where Director General GDA, Moin ur Rehman Khan, briefed him on ongoing and proposed development projects in Gwadar.
The briefing covered:
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Investment opportunities in Gwadar
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Tourism potential along the coast
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Infrastructure expansion plans
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Urban planning strategies
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Investor-friendly policies to attract local and foreign investment
Discussions also focused on Gwadar’s long-term vision as a sustainable and modern coastal city.
Seminar Highlights Gwadar’s Strategic Importance
After touring the exhibition stalls, Ahsan Iqbal addressed a seminar organized alongside the expo. In his speech, he emphasized Gwadar’s strategic importance, coastal development prospects, and its growing role in Pakistan’s economic future.
Several political and government figures accompanied the minister, including:
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MNA Malik Shah
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Provincial Minister for Planning Zahoor Ahmed Buledi
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Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar
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Provincial Minister for Industries Kohyar Domki
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MPA Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman
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Mir Asghar Rind
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Provincial Adviser Meena Majeed
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Barkat Rind
Strong Public and Investor Interest
The GDA stall saw a large turnout of investors, industrialists, tour operators, academics, students, government officials, and local residents. Visitors were given comprehensive information about business, tourism, and investment opportunities in Gwadar.
Senior GDA officials present at the stall included:
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Chief Engineer GDA Haji Syed Muhammad
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Director Town Planning Shahid Ali
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Deputy Director Town Planning Abdul Razzaq
They provided technical briefings on planning frameworks and future development projects in the port city.
Platform for Gwadar’s Development Vision
The exhibition served as a key platform to promote Gwadar’s development roadmap, highlighting its role as an emerging center for coastal growth, infrastructure development, tourism, and economic investment in the region.
As Gwadar continues to expand under national development plans, events like this expo aim to build investor confidence and showcase the city’s transformation into a modern urban and economic hub.