New Gwadar International Airport Project

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New Gwadar International Airport Project

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Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz directs CAA to plan modern airport in Gwadar

ISLAMABAD: To meet increasing air-traffic, facilitate businessmen and encourage tourism, the government is building new airports and encouraging foreign carriers to bring passengers to Pakistan, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday at the Civil Aviation Authority's presentation on the status of airports in Pakistan. He said that this was part of the plans to encourage international airlines to come to Pakistan.

The meeting reviewed the progress in building new airports in Islamabad and Gwadar.

The prime minister said that there was a 13 percent increase in passenger air traffic last year and was steadily increasing due to increased economic activity, adding that it was therefore necessary to build modern state-of-the-art airports in the country.

He directed the Civil Aviation Authority to plan a modern airport in Gwadar, in addition to upgrading the existing one.

The prime minister also directed the Civil Aviation Authority to encourage good and reputable international carriers to come to Pakistan and to increase the flights of domestic airlines to foreign countries.

Dr Salman Shah, prime minister's adviser on finance, Dr M Akram Sheikh, deputy chairman planning, and other senior officials also attended the meeting. nni

Source: Daily Times
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Amaad Lone
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Post by Amaad Lone »

There are number of larger cities which need modern airports before Gwader.

Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta and Peshawar to name a few.

Also what is the justification of a modern airport in Gwader. It currently gets two or three F.27 flights a day, which shows the demand for air travel at this remote corner of Baluchistan.

A modern airport at a fishing village, will only help the land mafia which is trying to sell overpriced plots.
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Post by Moin »

Gwadar will never develop into a city the likes of Dubai, unless all this corruption, nepotism and bureucracy is clamped down upon once and for all. It would be great to have a city modelled on Dubai, but for now its only a distant dream.

Pakistan will definately need outside help if it want to develop Gwadar, and it should not expect any help from the UAE in that department as Gwadar being a natural port is a direct threat to Dubai and could take its share of business away if it becomes a flourishing port city, hence Chinese contribution would be needed, but only once corruption is done way with in its entirety.
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Post by SalamPaks »

Moin wrote:Gwadar will never develop into a city the likes of Dubai, unless all this corruption, nepotism and bureucracy is clamped down upon once and for all. It would be great to have a city modelled on Dubai, but for now its only a distant dream.

Pakistan will definately need outside help if it want to develop Gwadar, and it should not expect any help from the UAE in that department as Gwadar being a natural port is a direct threat to Dubai and could take its share of business away if it becomes a flourishing port city, hence Chinese contribution would be needed, but only once corruption is done way with in its entirety.
I agree. The many vested interests that make up Pakistan will never allow such a place to develop because everyone will have their share of the pie first.
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Post by PK777 »

I agree with Amaad, Faisalabad, Multan, Quetta and Peshawar all need a refurnishment so they can handle more bigger loads and distribut more cargo around the world.

What about ISB, has the work started for that yet ??
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Post by Moin »

Gwadars strategic location also make it an ideal port for access to entire central asia.

As a matter of fact, while I was in Dubai, I was told that the gas pipeline explosions and tribal uprisings that have been occuring were all UAE Govt financed, as the last thing they want is to see Gwadar take away a good chunk of their business and when Musharraf found out about that, he paid a visit to the UAE to demand an explanation and they gave him royal treatment.

Gwadar is a prospective goldmine, but as long as things are going the way they are, the UAE has nothing to fear.
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Post by Che »

As elluded in the previous post...it is also in Iran's interest not to see Gawadar flourish nor the gas pipline that will terminate at Gwadar....It will threaten all the infrastructure it has put in place to bring oil/gas form central asia as well as trade through Bandar Abbass...So it could be the convergence of all three (UAE, Iran and India) of these countries' interest
not to see Gwadar and Trade out of Central Asia to take off...
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Post by Moin »

In addition to all thats been said above, this new airport would do good if they have a comprehensive cargo village there as well.
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New world-class airport announced: Shaukat visits Gwadar

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New world-class airport announced: Shaukat visits Gwadar

GWADAR (September 18 2005): The government has decided to construct a new international airport at Gwadar with state-of-the-art facility having world-class standard. This was announced by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz who was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Gwadar Industrial Estate on Saturday.

He said that till the completion of the new international airport the existing airport is being upgraded, and necessary facilities were being provided so that there could be frequent communication between Karachi and Gwadar.

Shaukat Aziz said that the Gwadar will not only be an industrial hub, but also attract tourist since it has got great potential for tourism.

He said that this is a historic day and pointed out that six years ago when President General Pervez Musharraf took over power he saw a dream of making a world class port in Gwadar and added that today we are seeing this dream becoming a reality.

He said that the President took up the matter of building of Gwadar port with Prime Minister of China who readily agreed to the proposal, so this port is a gift of China. The Prime Minister said that the seaports change the destiny of regions and countries.

He pointed out that six years ago, the President promised roads for Gwadar and that promise has been fulfilled with the construction of Coastal Highway which goes up to north and shall be a crucial link for Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Shaukat Aziz said, "We have to open our minds and allow foreign investors to come up with their investment which will usher in an era of prosperity and help create employment opportunities."

The Prime Minister said that in case the local skilled labour was not available we should welcome with open heart skilled people from other regions for development, progress and prosperity of Gwadar, which is not only in the interest of the-people of Gwadar and Balochistan, but also in the interest of Pakistan.

Shaukat Aziz announced that the federal government will establish Export Processing Zone in Gwadar on fast-track basis and will extend Coastal Highway up to Iran to promote trade and commerce with it.

In this connection, the Prime Minister said that import of gas from Iran will transform Balochistan and a decision on gas pipeline project with Iran after consideration of all aspects will be made in the national interest.

He said that local bodies' elections have demonstrated that people have rejected anti-development and negative forces.

Shaukat Aziz announced Rs 10 million for water supply to Gwadar and in response to demand of Balochistan chief minister Jam Mohammed Yousuf for desalination plant, he said that the government will bear half of the cost of desalination plant which will be grant of federal government.

Earlier, in his welcome address Jam Mohammed Yousuf said that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's contribution towards development of Gwadar and construction of port here are laudable and commendable.

He said that it seemed like a dream but Shaukat Aziz has made it a reality.

On the occasion, Balochistan governor Owais Ghani, federal ministers Zobaida Jalal and Naseer Mengal were also present.

Meanwhile, groundbreaking ceremony of Gwadar Port Civic Centre was also held on Saturday.

In his speech at the ceremony the Prime Minister said that the federal government was spending a record Rs 134 billion on mega projects for development in Balochistan.

"This has never happened in the history of Balochistan that such mega projects were ever carried out at one time," Shaukat Aziz noted, amid applause.

Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf, Minister for Port and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri, Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Zobaida Jalal and Minister for Petroleum Naseer Mengal were also present on the occasion.

He said that this year Rs 21 billion had been allocated under annual development programme for Balochistan, which was about 10.5 percent of total outlay. "This is more than the share of Balochistan, in terms of population ratio to other provinces," he added.

Shaukat Aziz directed the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) to complete construction of Civic Centre within 18 months and undertake construction work on its own and not on built, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

He said that minister of ports and shipping Babar Khan Ghauri was a man of action and he would ensure that work is completed in the stipulated time.

He said that this is a costly project and will be a model Civic Centre in the country, having offices, bank branches, utility store and residential blocks.

He announced the establishment of USC store in Gwadar, saying that it would be operational before the start of Ramazan.

He said that 500 out of 1000 houses would be given to fishermen at the housing scheme in Sur Bandar area.

Shaukat said he wants to take Pakistan on the road of development and prosperity and added that never in the history of Pakistan such development schemes were carried out by any government.

He said that people have been witnessing progress on these projects and therefore they would reject pessimistic elements.

The Prime Minister said that Gwadar Port would generate economic activity in the area and road network would connect it with Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia as the most important route in the region for transportation.

The Prime Minister said that the federal government would spend all money on development projects as the government has decided to federalise the schemes for rapid progress on these projects.

He said the second phase of Gwadar Port would start after completion of Phase-I. The GPA has been asked to make this port operational and market its facilities.

Shaukat advised the people of Balochistan to welcome investment in Gwadar. "The world has changed and this is the era of globalisation and you must welcome investors in Gwadar," he added.

The Prime Minister said that investment would open avenues for further development and generate job opportunities in Gwadar.

He said the government was working on a project to attract tourists to Gwadar. He said: "Hotels are coming up very fast, and I am happy to see new hotels in Gwadar, especially Pearl Continental Hotel."

He said that first flight of new ATR aircraft of PIA, replacing Fokkers, would land at Gwadar airport. "I have asked PIA to use this new aircraft on Karachi-Gwadar route," he added amid applause.

Addressing Senator Ismail Buledi, the Prime Minister in a lighter mood said that opposition "also supports our good work". He said the opposition should make positive criticism and also suggest remedies to help the government in the redressal of the problems.

He said that government wanted to set up a mega refinery at Gwadar to refine crude and supply in the region. It would be a mega project and would take time. But the thinking on this project should start now, he noted.

He said that Balochistan government should further improve its governance and bring in more transparency in the working. The Prime minister noted that Balochistan has vast potential for development in agriculture, energy, livestock, mining, fisheries sectors and the government would explore all potential. "These sectors will generate employment opportunities."


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005
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AirBlue
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Post by AirBlue »

so i guess we will be seein the ATRs after all.....and i do knwo taht it takes 5 years to make an airport :P
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Post by basit_s »

PM announces to build new airport at Gwadar

By Saad Mansoor - Pakistan Times Staff Correspondent

GWADAR: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Saturday that the federal government is spending a record 134 billion rupees on mega projects for development in Balochistan.

"This has never happened before in the history of Balochistan," the Prime Minister said amid applause, while speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of Gwadar Port Civic Center.

Governor Balochistan Owais Ahmed Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf, Minister for Port and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri, Minister for Social Welfare and Special Eduction Zubaida Jalal and Minister for Petroleum Naseer Mengal were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said that this year rupees 21 billion have been allocated for Balochistan under the annual development programme, which is about 10.5 percent of the total outlay. This is more than the share of Balochistan in terms of population ratio to other provinces, he added.

He said the coastal highway which remained neglected during the previous governments has been completed. This highway has changed the life style wherever it touches along the coast of Balochistan, he noted.

The Prime Minister said that a major change has been brought about in Gwadar during the last four years due to the mega projects and brisk development activity taking place in the area.

"These results have been possible with the help of sincere, honest and committed efforts of the government," he said. Anybody spreading negative propaganda will be defeated in his efforts as people want to see development and better life rather than just hollow slogans, he said.

Shaukat Aziz vowed to take Pakistan forward on the road of development and prosperity and added that never before in the history of Pakistan such development schemes were carried out by any government.

People have been witnessing progress on these projects and therefore they would reject pessimistic elements, he said. He said when President Pervez Musharraf took charge six years ago, the government did not have sufficient funds even to pay salaries as the national kitty was empty.

The Prime Minister said that whatever was visualized by President Musharraf six years ago has been realized and added that more development would take place in Balochistan. He said that Gwadar was a backward town and the government wanted to convert it into a modern city equipped with all facilities and resorts to attract local and foreign tourists. Gwadar port will generate economic activity in the area and road network will connect it with Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia as the most important route in the region for transportation, he said. He said the government will build a new airport at Gwadar with all the modern aviation facilities and renovate the existing airport and improve terminal building to facilitate the current air traffic. This airport will accommodate large aircraft and jets. He said the second phase of Gwadar port will start after the completion of phase-I. The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has been asked to make this port operational and market its facilities.

Shaukat Aziz advised the people of Balochistan to welcome investment in Gwadar. "The world has changed and this is the era of globalization and you must welcome investors in Gwadar," he added.

Citing example of Dubai, he said investors can freely set up a factory or buy property there and Gwadar should also open up for such investment. Whoever talks against this approach is not a friend of the people of Gwadar and Pakistan, he observed. Addressing Senator Ismail Buledi on this occasion, the prime minister in a lighter mood said that opposition also support "our good work."

He said the opposition should make positive criticism and also suggest remedies to help the government in redressal of the problems. Shaukat said that the government wanted to set up a mega refinery at Gawadar to refine crude and supply it in the region. It is however a mega project and will take time. Shaukat Aziz announced that utility store in Gwadar will be operational before the start of Ramazan. He said that 500 out of 1000 houses will be given to fishermen in the housing scheme at Sur Bandar area.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Gwadar Industrial Estate on Saturday. Prime Minister announced the Federal Government has decided to construct a new international airport of world class standard at Gwadar with state- of-the-art facility. He said that till the completion of the new international airport the existing airport is being upgraded and necessary facilities are being provided so that there can be frequent communication between Karachi and Gwadar.

The Prime Minister said that the Gwadar will not only be an industrial hub, but also attract tourist since it has got great potential for tourism. The Prime Minister said that this is a historic day and pointed out that six years ago when President General Pervez Musharraf took over power, he saw a dream of making a world class port in Gwadar and added that today we are seeing this dream becoming a reality.
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Post by Abbas Ali »

Chinese Firm Gets New Gwadar Airport Contract

MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN

ISLAMABAD (November 07 2006):
The federal government has decided to award the contract of new Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) to a public sector Chinese company, the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which will execute the project in the shortest possible time on fast track turnkey basis, official sources told Business Recorder here on Monday.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) would be responsible for design review and supervision of the project, ensuring that the new airport is built as per best international practices, sources said.

The airport, which is expected to be a regional hub, would be developed primarily to cater to cargo market, with an investment of $70 million. CAA had invited proposals for project management and design consultants in March. Several firms expressed interest in the project, including CHEC, which also offered to undertake the entire airport project on fast track turnkey basis.

The firm also submitted its proposal to President Pervez Musharraf before his visit to China in June, 2006. Sources said that Defence Ministry examined the Chinese offer and found it to be an attractive proposition. It was also observed by the government and CAA that Pakistan could benefit by the early completion of the project through turnkey/EPC methodology due to its low cost and financing offered by the Chinese firm, they added.

"CAA's analysis of the Chinese offer showed that if it were to undertake the project in the conventional way then it would take 36-42 months to complete it, whereas the completion time given by CHEC is 24 months," sources said.

Other benefits of the offer are that the company is already mobilised in Gwadar and is familiar with the working conditions there. The firm had completed a major reference project in Pakistan--the Gwadar Deep Water Port Phase-I--and has vast experience of undertaking several engineering-based projects including airports (China-Macao-Hang Kong).

With the completion of the project at much earlier date than planned, both CAA and government could benefit from early realisation of revenue. Defence Ministry is of the view that being a State enterprise, the firm is in an ideal position to arrange finances for the project on the same lines as was done in the case of Gwadar Deep Water Project Phase-I ie preferential buyers credit and grants/soft loans.

Sources said that the offer of CHEC has already been approved by CAA Board in its meeting on July 8. In order to move forward, CAA has proposed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CHEC. After its signing, the firm would undertake a feasibility study, inclusive of site investigation, necessary surveys, preliminary design, cost estimates etc and finally submit a technical and financial proposal to the CAA.

The CAA would then review the technical and financial proposal to ensure that the requirements of ICAO are satisfactorily met. Once the technical and financial offers are accepted by CAA, the government would be requested to enter into a formal agreement with the firm on price and terms and conditions of the financial offer, as the project is being funded through PSDP.

The Planning Commission has supported the proposal, but it advised MoD to obtain approval of the Prime Minster for awarding the project to the Chinese company. Sources said that the MoU is likely to be signed during the visit of the Chinese President in due course of time.

Source: Business Recorder

On the Net: China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.(CHEC)
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Post by Abbas Ali »

Uproar In Senate Over Gwadar Airport Issue

By Amir Wasim

ISLAMABAD, Jan 16:
The disclosure by the government that Rs1.05 billion had been released to the Military Estate Officer (MEO), Quetta, instead of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for construction of a new international airport at the port city of Gwadar created an uproar in the senate here on Tuesday that led to the opposition members’ walkout during the question hour.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan, who was giving replies to supplementary questions on behalf of Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, found himself in a difficult position when he failed to explain the logic as to why the money had been released to the MEO, instead of the CAA.

It all started when Kamran Murtaza of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal objected to the written reply submitted by the defence minister that the federal government had released funds amounting to Rs1.05 billion to the MEO, Quetta, for acquisition of land measuring 6,500 acres for the new airport at Gwadar. The minister had stated that construction of the airport would be completed in two years and the work was expected to commence this year."What is the relevance of the MEO, Quetta, in construction of the Gwadar airport?" asked Senator Murtaza.

The parliamentary affairs minister, instead of replying to the specific question, once again started reading the written reply of the ministry.

The opposition members stood up and started crying "why, why" and "shame, shame." Interestingly, none of the ministers present in the senate came for the rescue of Sher Afgan on the issue.

Taking the floor, opposition leader Raza Rabbani said the MEO dealt only with military lands and cantonments. He said if the money had been given to the MEO then it showed that perhaps a military airport was being constructed at Gwadar. He questioned as to why the money was not given to MEOs when new airports were constructed in Karachi and Lahore. Similarly, he said, the government had given money to the CAA for land acquisition for construction of a new airport in Islamabad.

Mr Rabbani said if the government intended to build a military airport at Gwadar then it was violation of recommendations of the Balochistan parliamentary committee, headed by Mushahid Hussain, which had declared that no cantonments would be established in Balochistan.

The house witnessed rumpus when Mr Afgan again took the floor and said the MEO had been given the money to deliver it to the CAA. He, however, was not allowed to speak by the opposition members.

Mr Rabbani said if it was the case then the minister should tell as to who would be getting benefit from this deal. He further said the government's reply was also highlighting the new role of military generals in purchasing precious lands and it seemed that the generals had purchased the lands and now they were leasing it out to the CAA.

Source: DAWN
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Post by FULLTHRUST »

It does not matter who builds the Gwadar airport, CAA or MES, what matters is who is selling the land;

Mr Rabbani said if it was the case then the minister should tell as to who would be getting benefit from this deal. He further said the government’s reply was also highlighting the new role of military generals in purchasing precious lands and it seemed that the generals had purchased the lands and now they were leasing it out to the CAA.
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Construction of New Gwadar Airport To Commence This Year

Thursday, 25 January 2007

ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP):
The construction of new Gwadar International Airport will be completed in two years from the start of work which is expected to commence this year, said Minister of State for Interior, Zafar Iqbal Warraich, During question hour in the Senate on Thursday (January 25, 2007).

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
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