New Gwadar airport a symbol of friendship

Pakistan's New Gwadar International Airport, a flagship venture under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, or CPEC, will transform connectivity and open a new chapter of development for the South Asian nation, observers said.

A symbol of solid friendship between China and Pakistan and their commitment to building a better future together, the newly built airport, located in the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, has recently been handed over to Pakistani authorities to commence operations, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The China-aided airport was inaugurated virtually by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Oct 14, during Li's trip to Pakistan.

It has been welcomed by experts and people from all walks of life in Pakistan.

"The airport is more than just a project, it is a gift from China to Pakistan, reflecting the deep bond between the two countries," said Moiz Farooq, the executive editor of Pakistan Economic Net and Daily Ittehad Media Group.

"It is a cornerstone of the CPEC, a flagship initiative that exemplifies the strategic partnership between Beijing and Islamabad. This substantial investment is a clear indicator of China's commitment to enhancing Pakistan's infrastructure, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability," he said.

As the airport prepares to open its doors, it promises to transform Gwadar into a major hub of regional connectivity and economic growth, unlocking new opportunities for development.

Khalid Taimur Akram, executive director of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, in Islamabad, noted that China's investments in projects such as the New Gwadar International Airport, are mutually beneficial for Pakistan and China, contributing significantly to Pakistan's infrastructure, energy and overall economic growth.

"As CPEC projects continue to flourish, they create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and pave the way for technological and industrial collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese firms," Akram said.

The construction of the airport, starting in October 2019, was one of the flagship projects of the CPEC. Upon completion, it has become a modern landmark in Gwadar, which will lay a better foundation for the future development of the port city.

According to China Railway Beijing Engineering Bureau, which was involved in the project, the airport can accommodate the largest civilian aircraft, including the Boeing 747-8. The runway spans 3,658 meters in length and 45 meters in width, making it one of the few 4F-grade airports in Pakistan equipped to handle the largest jets.

"This is a huge airport in Pakistan, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an architectural marvel," Airport Manager Khalid Kakar, a native of Quetta, told Xinhua.

Citing the limited operational capacity of the old airport, the manager said this newly constructed one will encourage airlines with modern fleets to begin services to and from Gwadar.