Pakistan’s new Gwadar International Airport is set to begin flights to Muscat from January 10, the Pakistan prime minister’s office announced on Monday, following a months-long delay in the opening of the airport.
A security review prompted by deadly attacks by militants in Balochistan in August delayed the airport’s opening to the end of this year. The $200-million Chinese-funded airport, which will handle both domestic and international flights, is expected to become one of Pakistan’s largest, according to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
China has pledged over $65 billion in infrastructure, energy and other projects in Pakistan under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, the program in Pakistan is also developing a deep-water port close to the new airport in Gwadar, a joint venture between Pakistan, Oman and China that is close to completion.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting to discuss the airport’s operations and directed authorities to develop a strategy to establish it as a major transit hub, emphasizing the need to improve road connections between the airport and other parts of the country, particularly Balochistan.
“Flights from Gwadar to Muscat will start from Jan.10 next year,” the PM’s office said in a statement. “The Gwadar airport can handle A-380 aircraft and will be capable of accommodating 4 million passengers annually.”
The statement noted that the Gwadar International Airport has obtained necessary certifications from the Pakistan Airports Authority. Additionally, personnel from the Airports Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Services have been deployed at the airport.
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans to increase flights between Karachi and Gwadar to three times a week, while discussions are ongoing with private airlines and carriers from China, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch both domestic and international services, according to the PM’s office. The airport will feature various facilities, including cold storage, cargo sheds, hotels and shopping malls, with banking services arranged through the State Bank of Pakistan.
In his remarks, Sharif highlighted that the Gwadar International Airport symbolized the strong China-Pakistan friendship, expressing gratitude to Beijing for constructing an airport with international standards and modern facilities. He also directed the implementation of comprehensive security measures at the airport.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the occasion of the party’s founding day.
Reflecting on the party’s historical significance, the prime minister emphasised the pivotal role of the All India Muslim League and its leaders, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in the creation of Pakistan, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said In his message, the prime minister stated, “The formation of the Muslim League 118 years ago reignited the desire for an independent homeland for Muslims. Through persistent struggle, the Muslims of the subcontinent were granted the gift of a separate and free nation, Pakistan.”
He further added, “In line with the vision of Pakistan’s founding fathers, it is our collective responsibility to work together for the country’s progress and prosperity.”
Prime Minister Sharif also highlighted the contributions of Pakistan Muslim League (N) under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, noting that the party has been dedicated to the country’s development for over three decades.
“The history stands testimony to the fact that the PML-N and its leader, Nawaz Sharif, have always prioritized the welfare of the people and upheld principled politics,” said the Prime Minister. “To safeguard Pakistan, the PML-N made sacrifices, placing the nation’s economy and security ahead of its political interests.”
The prime minister expressed his gratitude towards party workers and political leaders, who, alongside the party, boldly stood against military rulers and raised the banner of truth. He also acknowledged the challenges faced, including imprisonment, but reaffirmed the PML-N’s commitment to unity and national interest over divisive politics.
Despite efforts to sideline Nawaz Sharif from politics, the Prime Minister praised the former leader’s political wisdom and unwavering commitment to the nation. “The sacrifices made by Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N have strengthened the foundations of Pakistan,” he said.