Pakistan’s newest and most expensive airport, the New Gwadar International Airport, remains closed with no passengers or planes in sight. Financed entirely by China with a staggering $240 million investment, the opening date of the airport remains uncertain.
Located in the coastal city of Gwadar, the airport was completed in October 2024. The stark contrast between the airport and the impoverished Balochistan province surrounding it is evident.
China’s significant financial investment in Balochistan and Gwadar over the past decade is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project aimed at connecting China’s Xinjiang province with the Arabian Sea.
Despite being hailed as transformational, Gwadar still faces challenges such as lack of connection to the national grid, inadequate clean water supply, and limited infrastructure. With a passenger capacity of 400,000, the airport does not currently address the needs of the city’s 90,000 residents.
According to international relations expert Azeem Khalid, the airport primarily serves China’s interests, providing secure access for Chinese citizens to Gwadar and Balochistan.
The CPEC project has fueled a longstanding insurgency in Balochistan, as separatists fight against perceived state exploitation and discrimination. The government has increased military presence in Gwadar to protect Chinese investments, leading to heightened security measures and restrictions in the city.
Local residents like Khuda Bakhsh Hashim express nostalgia for a time when Gwadar was part of Oman and a thriving hub for trade and commerce. However, water scarcity, unemployment, and security concerns have taken a toll on the city’s residents.
Despite its natural beauty and warm hospitality, Gwadar faces challenges in terms of connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities. The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among the local population.
While the government claims that CPEC has generated local employment opportunities, the specifics remain unclear. Gwadar’s potential as a tourist destination and economic center have yet to be fully realized.
With security concerns delaying the airport’s inauguration, the future of Gwadar and its residents remains uncertain. The hope is that CPEC will bring prosperity and stability to the region, but challenges persist as militant activities continue to pose a threat to the area’s development.
Published – February 24, 2025 10:05 am IST
