Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing a ceremony marking the departure of the first major trade cargo from Gwadar Port emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to China’s One Belt-One Road initiative. He also appreciated the efforts of the government of Balochistan and the Pakistan Army for making the local population a stakeholder in the project. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, and ambassadors of 15 countries. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong and Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri also addressed the audience, and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in the project. Executives from Sino Trans, a Chinese logistics company, also attended the ceremony as well as ministers for defence and planning, and a number of politicians, especially from Balochistan. The ceremony marked the largest gathering of VIPs hosted by Gwadar since it witnessed the signing of the 2009 National Finance Commission Award.
