Open letter: Balochistan excluded from Gwadar Port revenue

The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has informed the Balochistan government that the province receives no share of the revenue generated from Gwadar Port, despite its strategic and economic importance to the region.

In a letter presented in the Balochistan Assembly, the GPA stated that operational control of the port rests with the China Overseas Ports Holding Company. 

It further noted that while two operating entities contribute 9% of their revenue to the GPA and a third provides 15%, none of these funds are passed on to the provincial government.

The letter also mentioned that the Gwadar Port Authority is implementing various initiatives in the region under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.

The contents of the letter were shared in the Balochistan Assembly, sparking renewed concern over provincial rights and revenue sharing. Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has assured that the matter will be taken up with the federal government.

The revelation has added to the ongoing debate around resource control, provincial autonomy, and the distribution of economic benefits from key infrastructure projects in Balochistan.

The revelation comes at a time when the federal government has already announced major reforms to overhaul the maritime sector.

In January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a comprehensive revamping plan aimed at boosting maritime revenue from Rs2,610 billion to Rs8,000–9,000 billion, according to The News.

The plan included over 120 action items, such as the creation of a Pakistan Maritime and Sea Port Authority (PMSPA) and the appointment of new CEOs for Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port.

The reform strategy focused on improved governance of ports, revenue optimisation, digitisation, and development of the shipbuilding, ship breaking, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors. A high-level implementation committee had been established to oversee the execution of these measures.