ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reached an agreement to construct an expressway connecting the deep-sea port of Gwadar in southern Pakistan with the new international airport being developed by China in the coastal town. This project is part of the ongoing collaboration between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Pakistan Airports Authority reaffirmed earlier this month that the New Gwadar International Airport will open by the end of December, despite a delay following security concerns after deadly attacks by separatist militants in August. The airport will accommodate both domestic and international flights and is set to become one of the largest airports in Pakistan.
According to the state-run APP news agency, the agreement was finalized during meetings between Chinese officials and Pakistani Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who is currently visiting China. “Pakistan and China have agreed on the construction of an expressway linking the Gwadar Port to the new Gwadar Airport,” the report stated. Additionally, both countries have decided to initiate feasibility studies for new motorways, including the Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Karachi-Hyderabad routes.
Major Infrastructure Investments Under CPEC
The Gwadar expressway and airport project are part of the broader $65 billion investment pledged by China under the CPEC initiative, which includes a range of infrastructure, energy, and development projects across Pakistan. CPEC is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and trade.
The new Gwadar International Airport, located near the deep-water port, is a critical part of this development. The port itself is being developed as a joint venture between Pakistan, China, and Oman, with the $200 million airport nearing completion.
Security Concerns Amid Separatist Attacks
Despite the significant investments, the security situation in Balochistan has raised concerns. The province, where both the Gwadar port and airport are located, has been the site of a long-running insurgency by separatist groups who view Chinese investments as an infringement on their territory. Though recent militant attacks did not target Chinese projects specifically, previous incidents, including the suicide bombing in Karachi that killed two Chinese workers, have heightened tensions.
These attacks have led to public criticism from Beijing over security lapses and have raised concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals and infrastructure in Pakistan. Reports suggest that China has demanded the presence of its own security forces in Pakistan to protect its investments and personnel, a request that Islamabad has resisted, citing sovereignty concerns.
Moving Forward with CPEC Projects
Despite security challenges, both Pakistan and China remain committed to advancing their bilateral economic partnership. The construction of the Gwadar expressway and airport is expected to further strengthen economic ties and enhance Pakistan’s connectivity with the global market. The projects are also part of a broader effort to develop Balochistan’s infrastructure, which will play a crucial role in the economic development of the region.
