Gwadar Port and Free Zone: Chinese envoy briefed on 22-acre security project

ISLAMABAD: After granting assurances for the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan at the highest level, the government has informed the Chinese ambassador it will utilize 22 acres for security at the Gwadar Port and Free Zone out of the total of 97 acres under controversy.

Out of 2,281 acres transferred to the China Overseas Ports Holding Company, 97 acres remain a stumbling block. Now it has been decided and conveyed to China that out of 72 acres in the possession of Pakistan Navy, the federal government will use 17 acres for safety and security.

Furthermore, it would also use another five acres for the same purpose out of 25 acres in possession of the Pakistan Coast Guard while the remaining will be handed over to China.

An official statement on Thursday said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad. Jiang said the Chinese side was ready for collaboration in agriculture, mines & mineral and industrial cooperation on a priority basis, reiterating his commitment to further strengthen the security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.

Ahsan highlighted the importance of convening the Joint Working Groups’ meetings. He said: “The Ministry of Planning holds a fortnightly CPEC progress review meeting with all federal and provincial stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of CPEC projects.” He said the ministry was in coordination with the National Development and Reform Commission of China to arrange high-level workshops for bringing together experts from both sides to outline the future direction of CPEC Phase 2. This initiative aims to define the specific goals and scope of CPEC’s “five corridors” and align them with “Eight Points Roadmap of BRI” and “5Es Framework of Pakistan”.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials, including Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, secretaries of communications, railways and interior as well as officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Planning.

Ahsan, in his opening remarks, condemned the recent attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi, emphasizing that Pakistan would take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. He said: “This heinous act, aimed at damaging Pakistan-China relations, will not be tolerated. The government and people of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Chinese friends during this challenging time and extend condolences to the families of victims.”

He assured the ambassador that the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remained a top priority and Pakistan would continue working closely with China to ensure the security of Chinese citizens, projects and institutions. Highlighting the robust bilateral ties, he appreciated the recent visit of Chinese premier to Pakistan, emphasizing the need for concrete mechanisms to ensure smooth and effective implementation of bilateral projects. “The ministries concerned are developing their roadmap/action plan for effective implementation of the consensus reached by the leadership of both countries to make CPEC Phase-II successful and implement recommendations by Chinese experts,” he said.

Both sides also deliberated on advancing key projects, including the Karachi-Hyderabad section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot Section) and agreed to their timely execution.

Regarding the Gwadar Port and Free Zone, both sides expressed a mutual commitment to ensuring the continued development of Gwadar in a holistic manner.

Jiang expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s comprehensive engagement and stated: “During the visit of the prime minister of Pakistan to China in June 2024, the leadership of both countries agreed to promote cooperation in the areas of politics, international affairs, pragmatic projects and security. The recent visit of Chinese premier to Pakistan is the continuity of this cooperation. Pakistan and China share an unbreakable iron brother bond. The leaders of both countries are committed to fostering the relationship to new heights.”