Name: Zahra Shoukat
In February 2013, the Gwadar port was handed over to China during Asif Ali Zardari Era because the PAS had failed in doing something worthwhile with it, that too, on time.
After Gwadar port handed over to China and huge investments were injected, Izan also unveiled its own plans for setting up the world’s largest oil refinery there, with a production capacity of 40,000 barrels per day, billion and Izan also Surpassed interest in establishing power plants at the port.
Presently China is getting 50% of oil from middle east and if an oil refinery gets established at Gwadar it will be really beneficial for China as the oil transport roots from Dubai to Gwadar then Urumqi, China, thus making a route of 3500 Km.
The route through Gwadar to middle east to central Asia is pretty much important for all nd for Pakistan as well. Pakistan can earn millions and Billions of dollars a years.
Through CPEC, Not only China but all Central Asian countries; Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan, Russia would get benefits but there are many challenges faced by Pakistan CPEC project such as internal security issue which need to be addressed. Presently, India is using all tactics to counter the development of CPEC. Recently, Pakistan navy spotted Indian ship spying at Gwadar port and because of such security concerns Pakistan Navy established special task force for which will safeguard and protect the CPEC and Gwadar port as well. Pakistan has often accused India of being involved in subversive activities to undermine CPEC project. Secondly the recent Baluchistan blast raised a security alarm.
But Thanks to ALMIGHTY ALLAH, that Gwadar port is now operational with the help and support of Ex-COAS General Raheel Sahrif and our prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif. China has successfully taken control over the operational control of the Geadar port but still some sectrain groups that are rife throughout Pakistan are a concern, the main threat comes from Baluchistan Liberation Army. BLA has condemned the building of the Gwadar Port as another conspiracy to rob the Baluchi people. So the threats of terrorism and tension with the local’s of Baluchistan authorities are likely to delay, but not half, the port’s progress. The progress is on its peak.
Gwadar is a place which is required by all the super powers in the world, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kurdistan, Georgia and Armenia, they are depending on Gwadar port because all are land marked countries and so as Saudia Arabia has built 4 new sites to trade with Gwadar. Gwadar is going to be the largest business center of the world because of its Classic location and Geo-Strategic importance.
Because of Geo-Strategic importance, Gwadar ensures its place on the global investments skyline. It is estimated that Gwadar sea port will increase 50% GDP of Pakistan. It’s to be fully operational in 2017; Where CPEC is playing the role of game changer, a great project of 46 billion dollars giving Beijing direct access to Africa, Europe and Middle East through Pakistan. Chinese delegation inaugurates Gwadar port “Free Zone”, because they said “We shall try to process it here, so that the local can benefit”.
Recently, the Chinese firm “ Gwadar Free Zone Company” has begun offering Gwadar port’s Economic zone CPEZ, infrastructure facilities to foreign investors to manufacture operate business and complete with regional marketing while the Gwadar port is yet to become fully operational in 2017 next year. Under this agreement, 15PC of gross revenue from the free zone will be paid to port authorities by these Chinese firms. It is expected that the development of the zone will be paid to the Gwadar port and the development will be helpful for the creation of job opportunities, will lead to transfer of technology and regional business activities and so on. The special Zone will be best global market presence by attracting business, foreign investments in general trade services manufacturing, logistics, and bunkering and RAN shipment.
So yes it can be predicted, Gwadar is going to change the game not only for Pakistan but other Asian countries as well. It’s going to bring great revenue for Pakistan even whole Pakistan can depend over Gwadar’s revenue, if managed properly, professionally without any mistakes or Corruption. In coming years Gwadar is going to gain position of a backbone for Pakistan. Let’s Hope for Bright Best Future of Gwadar, Pakistan.
