ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that Gwadar would become an internationally acclaimed world-class port city, which would offer tremendous opportunities for its people.

“We hope that Gwadar will become an internationally acclaimed world-class port city, which will have tremendous opportunities for its people,” he told Chinese news agency while applauding development of Gwadar Port under China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Describing Gwadar as highly significant and strategic port in region, he said that China had shown remarkable contribution to development of different regions of Pakistan, including Gwadar under CPEC. “In Gwadar, we have seen that China not only developed Port facility but also contributed towards socioeconomic development of its people.” He said China had established state-of-the-art modern hospital in Gwadar, providing facilities comparable to those in major cities like Karachi or Lahore. “Similarly, China has helped set up technical training institution.

It has also assisted poor people with solar panels to provide them electricity and has undertaken other initiatives to improve lives of local people,” Iqbal said. He pointed out that China had also provided scholarships for youth of Gwadar who were studying in Chinese universities. “So, I think China’s contribution to Gwadar has been very valuable in uplifting lives of people and region and we appreciate it very much.” He appreciated China for sharing its success, not just with Pakistan, but with other countries as well, to help them improve their infrastructure for socioeconomic development.