The government has established a high-powered “Gwadar Prevention Committee” to facilitate the fast-track development in Gwadar Port and Gwadar city on special directives of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Following a formal meeting with Chief Secretary Balochistan and officials of Government of Balochistan, Chairman National Accountability Bureau has formulated the Gwadar Prevention Committee. It consists of three sub-committees with a total of 31 members from Pakistan’s top bureaucracy.
The committee’s mandate is to propel all-embracing progress and growth by addressing loopholes and grey areas in governance, law and management systems. It will work to harmonize and operationalize laws, regulations and procedures related to the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). It aims to resolve deep-rooted difficulties faced by importers, exporters and transporters regarding custom duties, tax holidays, trade tariffs and excise levies. Additionally, it will oversee the implementation of online tax calculation systems and the provision of civic facilities to Gwadar residents, along with replacing out-dated electricity distribution networks with modern electricity infrastructure in the city.
A GPA official told Gwadar Pro that the Gwadar Prevention Committee will also aim to hash out an actionable plan for the solid waste management of the port city.
He highlighted that governance challenges, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, regulatory hurdles, and institutional weaknesses, have further hindered the effective implementation of development plans and initiatives in Gwadar. The lack of a coherent and coordinated approach coupled with inadequate infrastructure and human resource capacities are exacerbating the situation and perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and missed opportunities in the region, he added.
The Gwadar Prevention Committee will act as a troubleshooter, mobilizing all available resources to uplift the Gwadar port and Gwadar city under the Gwadar smart port city master plan.
