Gwadar (Gwadar Pro) – Under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2019–25, the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has finalized the decision to establish a Central Business District (CBD) in Gwadar, spanning 2,580 acres.
This ambitious project will be implemented through various development models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Joint Ventures. The initial investment for the project is estimated at Rs. 90 billion.
The government has declared Gwadar district a tax-free zone, granting the area exemption from all provincial taxes. According to GDA, a 280 km road network has already been completed. It is expected that the project will generate Rs. 400 billion in profits over the next 10 years.
Several major projects are either completed or in progress around the CBD, including:
- New Gwadar International Airport
- East Bay Expressway
- Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute
- Renovation of the old city
- Reconstruction of roads
- Establishment of parks
- Eco-friendly development
- Environmental corridors
- Identification of tourist spots
- Digitization initiatives
- Promotion of skill-based economy
- Provision of social and urban facilities
- Creation of new business opportunities
- Modern healthcare and educational services
The Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan was jointly approved by Pakistan and China on November 5, 2019, during the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting.
To foster a favorable environment around the CBD, a “Green Revolution” is underway in Gwadar, aiming to transform barren land into green spaces. Several green projects have already delivered impressive results, including:
- Pak-China Friendship Green Park
- GDA Central Park
- GDA New Town Family Park
- Sunset Park
- Gwadar Port Free Zone Nursery
- Tissue Culture Lab
- Modern greenhouse in the Free Zone area
Under the agricultural ecosystem, cultivation of aloe vera and Juncao (also known as magic grass) has been introduced.
Major and minor roads across the city are becoming greener through tree plantation on median dividers. Streets like Marine Drive, Syed Hashmi Avenue (Old Airport), Shaheed Captain Road, Pak-China Friendship Road, and other internal routes now present a green landscape, along with residential streets.
Tree plantation initiatives are also visible at:
- China-Pakistan Faqeer Middle School
- GDA Higher Secondary School
- Bahria Model Schools
- Army Public Schools
- Allama Iqbal Open University Campus
- Girls and Boys Degree Colleges
- National University of Modern Languages (NUML)
- Gwadar IT Center
- University of Gwadar
- Deputy Commissioner Office
- Governor House
- GDA Hospitals
According to local leader Noor Ahmed, trees, plants, and parks are now a common sight in Gwadar, reflecting the green vision and spirit of the Master Plan. These features enhance the aesthetic beauty of both the port and the city.
As part of the CBD-linked master plan, a new “Ferry Service” is also under consideration. This service will connect surrounding areas of Gwadar and neighboring Iran, offering a fresh appeal to tourists inspired by Gwadar’s scenic beauty.
The upcoming strategy also includes “Festival Tourism” to further boost tourist engagement. A GDA official stated that this will help highlight Gwadar’s local fairs and events.
He also mentioned that “Cultural Tourism” will be an important part of Gwadar’s first proposed Tourism Policy. Recently, the Government of Balochistan established a Tourism Police in Gwadar to ensure a safe environment for visitors.
Meanwhile, eco-tourism resorts equipped with tourist facilities are being developed along Balochistan’s coastal areas to meet the needs of both local and foreign tourists.
Gwadar is also being promoted as a destination for adventure tourism, including:
- Boat riding
- Fishing
- Jeep rallies
- Marine-based recreational activities
