The Gwadar Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has once again taken center stage in Pakistan’s economic development agenda after Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi called on the federal government to operationalize the long-awaited industrial zone without further delay.
Addressing a press conference in Gwadar, Bakhshi said Pakistan risks missing a historic opportunity to transform Gwadar into a regional hub for manufacturing, logistics, and exports if the Special Economic Zone remains inactive. He stressed that while Gwadar possesses significant strategic advantages, timely government action is essential to unlock its full economic potential.
The press conference was also attended by ABAD Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hamid, former Chairman Junaid Ashraf Taloo, and ABAD Gwadar Subcommittee Convener Affan Qureshi.
ABAD Calls for Relocation of Chinese Industries
Bakhshi proposed the phased relocation of Chinese industries to the Gwadar Special Economic Zone, saying the move could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s export sector and industrial base.
He noted that manufacturers operating from Gwadar would enjoy easier access to Central Asian markets, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, enhancing Pakistan’s export competitiveness while positioning Gwadar as a key trade gateway linking South Asia with Central Asia.
According to Bakhshi, Gwadar should be developed not merely as a deep-sea port but as a fully integrated industrial and commercial city capable of supporting large-scale manufacturing and international trade.
Strategic Location Gives Gwadar a Competitive Advantage
The ABAD chairman described Gwadar as Pakistan’s future economic engine due to its strategic location and naturally deep-water port.
However, he emphasized that infrastructure alone will not attract investors. The government must also simplify investment procedures, strengthen supporting infrastructure, and introduce investor-friendly policies to build confidence among local and foreign businesses.
He said activating the Special Economic Zone would send a strong positive signal to investors and accelerate industrial development in the region.
Local Communities Should Benefit from Development
Bakhshi stressed that Gwadar’s development should directly improve the lives of local residents.
He urged the government to prioritize employment opportunities, vocational training, business financing, and affordable loans for the people of Gwadar so they can actively participate in the city’s economic transformation.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when local communities become partners in growth rather than passive observers.
Fisheries and Tourism Offer Major Growth Opportunities
Highlighting Balochistan’s untapped economic potential, Bakhshi said sectors such as fisheries, tourism, natural resources, and private investment require immediate attention.
He proposed interest-free financing for fishermen to modernize their boats, install advanced equipment, and meet international seafood export standards.
He said these initiatives would increase export earnings while improving the livelihoods of coastal communities across Balochistan.
Better Connectivity and Stronger Gwadar Development Authority Needed
Bakhshi also called for expanding domestic and international flight operations to Gwadar to improve connectivity for investors, exporters, tourists, and business travelers.
He further recommended granting greater financial autonomy and administrative authority to the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), enabling it to implement development projects more efficiently.
Additionally, he suggested that the federal government directly finance key infrastructure projects while the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Balochistan conduct regular monthly visits to monitor progress and address local concerns.
Gwadar SEZ Can Transform Pakistan’s Trade Landscape
Concluding his remarks, Bakhshi said Pakistan has reached a critical stage where decisive action could transform Gwadar into the country’s leading center for manufacturing, exports, logistics, and foreign investment.
He said the Gwadar Special Economic Zone has the potential to accelerate economic growth, create thousands of jobs, attract billions of dollars in investment, and strengthen Pakistan’s position as a regional trade corridor connecting South Asia, Central Asia, China, and the Middle East.
According to ABAD, activating the Gwadar Special Economic Zone is no longer just a development objective but a strategic economic priority that could redefine Pakistan’s long-term growth trajectory.