The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) is set to launch the Central Business District (CBD) as part of the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan (2019-2025). Spanning 2,580 acres, the CBD will operate under various development models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Joint Ventures.
With an initial estimated cost of Rs. 90 billion, the government has granted Gwadar district tax-free zone status, exempting it from all provincial taxes. Additionally, a 280km road network has been constructed to support the project, which is projected to generate Rs. 400 billion in profit over 10 years.
The CBD will integrate completed and ongoing projects, such as the New Gwadar International Airport, Eastbay Expressway, Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, and initiatives ranging from infrastructure remodeling, ecological corridor development, tourism mapping, and digitalization to enhancing social amenities and fostering new business avenues. The city is also aiming to boost quality of life with state-of-the-art health and educational facilities.
Gwadar’s transformation includes significant efforts toward “green urbanization.” Projects like the Pak-China Friendship Green Park, GDA Central Park, and intelligent greenhouses in the Free Zone area contribute to vegetation. Aloe Vera plantations, Juncao grass cultivation, and extensive plantation drives along roads, parks, and institutions are turning barren landscapes into green ecosystems.
Under the master plan, future initiatives include a Ferry Service connecting Gwadar with neighboring areas and Iran, expected to enhance tourism. Another significant strategy is “Festival Tourism,” aimed at showcasing Gwadar’s local events and fairs to ignite tourist interest and introduce visitors to the vibrant culture of the region.
Gwadar’s evolution master planpromises to integrate sustainable growth, economic opportunities, and community enhancement, solidifying its strategic importance within the region.
