Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a progress review meeting on the development of Gwadar Port and Free Zone in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from various Ministries and Divisions. Discussions opened with transport infrastructure, revealing partial connectivity to Gwadar through the N-10 Coastal Highway and N-85. However, the completion of the M-8 motorway and other critical roads remains pending due to funding needs. Minister Iqbal directed the immediate release of allocated funds for the M-8 and emphasized the importance of accelerating CPEC infrastructure projects to boost Gwadar’s connectivity.
According to Press Information Department, Minister Iqbal instructed relevant departments to swiftly resolve Gwadar Free Zone land disputes as per agreements with China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC). Regarding Gwadar’s tax exemption policy, officials clarified that COPHC and other Free Zone businesses benefit from tax holidays and incentives under the Finance Act, yet still face turnover tax and various import duties. Minister Iqbal clarified that Gwadar is exempt from turnover tax and urged the removal of ambiguities in tax policies to promote investment.
Furthermore, Minister Iqbal reviewed infrastructure projects in Gwadar aimed at enhancing power, water, and sewage services for local residents. He tasked the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) with completing pending transmission lines within three months and requested weekly progress reports to the CPEC Secretariat. The meeting also discussed the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and the Gwadar Port Master Plan, originally developed with Chinese support and formally approved in 2019.
Minister Iqbal advocated for more projects through public-private partnerships to make Gwadar a desirable investment destination. He proposed offering incentives to attract diverse companies to explore opportunities in Gwadar. Additionally, Minister Iqbal highlighted the recent completion of Gwadar Airport and stressed the necessity of stimulating local economic activities to boost tourism. He directed the creation of a comprehensive roadmap to implement the Gwadar Master Plan over the next three years, ensuring sustainable growth for Gwadar’s development.