Karachi, September 9, 2025: Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), Hasan Bakhshi, has demanded that Gwadar be made operational without delay, declared a tax-free zone and developed into a smart city through CPEC funding. He also urged the restoration of law and order in the area and the inclusion of local communities in development projects.
Speaking at a press conference at ABAD House Karachi, Hasan Bakhshi said that Gwadar is the key to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. “Gwadar has emerged as a golden opportunity in Pakistan’s history, but unfortunately, the expected benefits have not yet been realized. If the government does not take immediate and effective steps to operationalize Gwadar, the city will not be able to deliver the results that Pakistan urgently needs today.”
Senior Vice Chairman of ABAD Syed Afzal Hameed, Vice Chairman Tariq Aziz, Southern Region Chairman Ahmed Owais Thanvi, Convener of ABAD’s Gwadar Sub-Committee Afnan Qureshi, and former Chairman of ABAD Junaid Ashraf Talu were also present.
Bakhshi emphasized that, just as many countries’ economies thrive on tourism, Gwadar too could become a game-changer for Pakistan—provided its development is made a top national priority. He recalled that in 2014, China had invested $45 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), yet Gwadar received only $800 million while most of the funds went to the power sector, particularly IPPs. “Had Gwadar been fully developed at that time, Pakistan would today have easy cargo access to China and Central Asian states, and exports would have multiplied,” he said.
The biggest hurdle, he pointed out, is the security situation. “Hostile elements are conspiring against Pakistan and trying to keep Gwadar non-functional. Our armed forces sacrifice their lives daily, but the government must also invest in local communities, resolve their issues, and ensure that the people themselves become guardians of their city.”
Chairman ABAD Muhammed Hassan bakshi along with Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed, Vice Chairman Tariq Aziz, Chairman Southern region Ahmed Owais Thanvi and Former Chairman Junaid Ashraf Taloo, is urging Federal Government to take immediate action to operationalize & Develop Gwadar in a press conference held at ABAD House.
Bakhshi questioned why Gwadar’s new airport is still not operational. “If international flights are not possible yet, at least domestic flights should begin so that the city’s isolation ends and investors are facilitated,” he suggested. He further stressed that the development of Gwadar is inseparable from the development of its local population. “The misconception that foreign investors will ‘take over’ Gwadar must end. In reality, investment will create jobs and revive the local economy. The first right always belongs to the locals, but national and foreign investors should also be welcomed.”
He criticized all political parties, saying they have collectively failed on the Gwadar issue. “Through Gwadar, Pakistan could have become a transit hub like the UAE or Singapore, but sadly no concrete steps are visible to this day.” He also criticized Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, saying, “He has only delivered speeches about Gwadar; no practical measures are evident.”
Bakhshi added that builders from all four provinces working in Gwadar are now on the brink of bankruptcy because government schemes remain incomplete. Apart from Punjab, land records have not been computerized, which is alarming for investors. “If this situation persists, not only will new investment stop, but existing investors will also suffer losses,” he warned.
In response to a question, he revealed that after a meeting with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, encroachments were removed from several ABAD lands in Karachi, and 8 to 10 properties were recovered. “Our system has rusted, but for the first time, anti-corruption authorities have filed cases against those who made illegal changes to ownership documents.”
He reiterated that the development of Gwadar is linked to the development of the entire region and could become Pakistan’s largest source of employment. “For this, the government must present a clear roadmap to fully operationalize Gwadar within the next 2 to 5 years. We demand a clear policy on Gwadar so that investors gain confidence and the local population embarks on a genuine path to progress.”
Bakhshi underlined that Gwadar is not merely a port but the very future of Pakistan’s economy. “If the government acts sincerely, Gwadar can become a global hub for trade and tourism; otherwise, this project will also be reduced to mere speeches and hollow promises.”
On the occasion, former ABAD Chairman Junaid Ashraf Talu said that since 2002, Gwadar has been deprived of water and electricity. “The people of Balochistan have already invested in the smart city concept. If water and electricity are provided, Balochistan—especially Gwadar—will flourish,” he said.
He urged that all provinces should unite for Gwadar’s cause. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent statements, he said, “The PM says Gwadar will be made operational. For this, rest houses along the Makran Coastal Highway have been approved, so a budget should be allocated accordingly.” He also called on the Balochistan government to allocate funds in its own schemes and commence construction work.
Talu further demanded that the federal government declare Gwadar a free zone for 35 years to boost investment in the region
