Islamabad: Work has begun on a Rs12 billion project to modernize the Gadani shipbreaking yard, upgrading infrastructure to align the facility with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Thursday. The initiative involves substantial enhancements to both the social and industrial infrastructure of the yard, with construction underway on key facilities.

According to Press Information Department, the project, chaired by Junaid Chaudhry during a steering committee meeting, includes the development of a 30-bed hospital, a labor colony, a school, and solar power infrastructure. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of transforming Gadani’s traditional shipbreaking practices into a modern, environmentally responsible ship-recycling industry. The yard plays a critical role in Pakistan’s steel-scrap market and supply chains.

The comprehensive project also includes the construction of 32 kilometers of internal roads, a public park, hazardous and industrial waste-treatment systems, fire and rescue stations, and dedicated water treatment facilities. Project Director Saeed Ahmed Umrani reported that the project has entered the active procurement and construction phase, supported by a federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs780 million for the fiscal year 2026-27.

The overhaul aims to align Gadani with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Junaid Chaudhry directed project authorities to maintain implementation momentum and ensure all new infrastructure adheres to strict operational benchmarks.