Ahsan Iqbal orders releasing M-8 funds to enhance Gwadar’s connectivity

ISLAMABAD: Stressing the importance of expediting CPEC infrastructure projects to enhance Gwadar’s connectivity, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal directed the immediate release of allocated funds for M-8 in two portions.

Iqbal also directed the relevant departments to resolve land disputes in the Gwadar Free Zone swiftly in line with agreements with China Overseas Port Holding Company. The minister made the directives during a progress review meeting on the development of Gwadar Port and Free Zone in Islamabad on Tuesday. This development followed a briefing by relevant departments that highlighted the completion of the M-8 motorway and other critical roads remains pending due to funding needs.

The federal minister was told that at the moment partial connectivity to Gwadar is available through the N-10 Coastal Highway and N-85 (linking Gwadar to Quetta), On the topic of Gwadar’s tax exemption policy, officials explained that under the Finance Act, COPHC and other Free Zone businesses are entitled to tax holidays and incentives.

However, these companies still face turnover tax and various import duties. Minister Iqbal clarified that there is no turnover tax in Gwadar, and any ambiguity in tax exemption policies should be removed to encourage investment. Iqbal also reviewed the infrastructure projects in Gwadar aimed at providing power, water, and sewage services to the residents.

The minister directed the Quetta Electric Supply Company to complete pending transmission lines within three months to enhance Gwadar’s power supply and to submit weekly progress reports to the CPEC Secretariat on Gwadar’s electricity situation. Discussing the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and the Gwadar Port Master Plan, it was noted that the master plan, originally developed in 2005-06 with Chinese support and formally approved in 2019, is progressing rapidly.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need to initiate more projects through public-private partnerships to make Gwadar an attractive destination for private investment. He suggested offering incentives to foster a favourable investment environment, encouraging diverse companies to explore opportunities in Gwadar. Minister Iqbal also highlighted the recent completion of Gwadar Airport and stressed the need to stimulate local economic activities to promote tourism.

He directed the development of a comprehensive roadmap to implement the Gwadar Master Plan over the next three years, ensuring a sustainable growth model for Gwadar’s development.