Under Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan (2019-2025), Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has decided to launch Central Business District (CBD) spreading over 2,580 acres on different development models including Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Joint Ventures. In order to execute the CBD launch with initial estimated cost of Rs. 90 billion, government has also granted a tax-free zone status to Gwadar district, exempting the area from all provincial taxes.

A road network sprawling over 280km has also been constructed. This 10-year development project is projected to generate Rs 400 billion in profit. The CBD will be complemented by many completed and ongoing projects including New Gwadar International Airport, Eastbay Express Way, Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute, rehabilitation of old town, remodeling of roads, establishment of parks, fostering of green growth.

Designing of ecological corridors, mapping out of tourism spots, launch of digitalization, development of skill-based economy, laying down foundation of social and civic amenities, trailblazing new business avenues and making available state of art health as well educational facilities, Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday. The Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan, was jointly approved by Pakistan and China during the 9th JCC meeting on November 5, 2019.

In connection with improve promising ecosystem around the CBD, Gwadar is going green with a quantum leap from barrenness to vegetation. Many green projects have been producing marvellous results. These projects include Pak-China Friendship Green Park, GDA central Park, GDA new town family Park, Sunset Park, Gwadar Port Free Zone Nursery, tissue culture Lab and intelligent greenhouse in free zone area.

Under the agriculture eco-system, projects regarding Aloe Vera plantation and Juncao, a name for fungi-breeding herbaceous plants, also known as the “Magic Grass are the new addition. City arteries, small and big, are blooming with the plantation drive mostly on dedicated road dividers. Marine Drive and Syed Hashmi Avenue (Old Airport), Shaheed Capt Road, Pak-China Friendship Road and many other internal roads even pathways insides housing societies have been wearing a greener look.

Plantation is also visible in China-Pakistan Faqeer Middle School, GDA higher secondary school, Behria Model Schools, Army Public Schools, Allama Iqbal Open University campus, Girls Degree College, Boys Degree College, National University of Modern Language (NUML) camps, Gwadar Information Technology (GIT), Gwadar University, DC office, Governor House and GDA hospitals. “Under green urbanization vision upholding the high spirit of “Gwadar Master Plan”, Gwadar life with sapling and plants is now the order of the day.

Trees, plants and parks are the new scenes. Leafs, flowers and shrubs spell green extravaganza inside Gwadar Port as well as the city limits,” said local leader Noor Ahmed. Under CBD-driven master plan, “Ferry Service” is being planned to be launched connecting adjoining areas of Gwadar and neighboring country Iran that will inculcate a startling sense among tourists to be amazed with sound and sights of Gwadar.

Upcoming strategy will also entail “Festival Tourism”. It will set tourists’ interest ablaze, GDA official claimed and added that Festival Tourism will unlock sense of thematic festivity offering the people to get introduced with Gwadar’s local events, fairs and carnivals. “Cultural Tourism” is another valuable aspect that will be incorporated in the proposed draft of Gwadar’s first tourism strategy, he said. Recently Balochistan government launched tourist police in Gwadar to ensure safe and secure environment for the visitors thronging the coastal city for recreational activities.

Meanwhile, the ecotourism resorts are being built swing with allied facilities in the coastal areas of Balochistan to cater the needs of local and foreign tourists visiting its beautiful coastal lines. Tourism in Gwadar may be marked as adventure tourism with the boat riding, fish catching, some prospects of jeep rally and keeping in view the initiatives of the sea.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China