GWADAR: The newly inaugurated New Gwadar International Airport is set to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s economic development, trade, and tourism, according to Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
Speaking at the airport’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, the minister emphasized its potential as a catalyst for the nation’s progress. “This state-of-the-art airport will not only promote trade and tourism but also generate significant employment opportunities for the people of Gwadar and beyond,” he said.
The minister highlighted the critical role the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played in the region’s development, declaring, “Through CPEC, we have placed Gwadar on a path toward sustained progress and prosperity.”
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail. Minister Asif extended gratitude to the Chinese government for its support in completing the airport, a key component of Pakistan’s broader infrastructure strategy under CPEC.
The New Gwadar International Airport, spanning over 4,300 acres, is the largest in Pakistan and has been designed to handle large-scale operations, including international flights. The facility is expected to significantly enhance connectivity with regional and global markets, opening new avenues for trade and tourism.
“This airport is a symbol of the cooperation between Pakistan and China and of our shared vision for economic growth,” Khawaja Asif added.
The New Gwadar International Airport is poised to become a critical hub for economic activity, improving access to international destinations, including the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Its operations will provide new opportunities for businesses and offer much-needed connectivity for the residents of the region.
The minister underscored the strategic importance of Gwadar as a gateway for regional trade, affirming the government’s commitment to leveraging its potential for Pakistan’s development.
