Shehbaz Sharif Directs Swift Start of Gwadar Safety Initiative
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially instructed Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to initiate the long-awaited Gwadar Safe City Project, a significant step aimed at strengthening the port city’s security landscape amid growing regional concerns.
During a high-level meeting, Minister Naqvi presented details of a newly developed policy designed to streamline travel for Pakistani pilgrims visiting sacred sites in Iran and Iraq. Following the update, the Prime Minister directed the Aviation Ministry to arrange special flights to accommodate pilgrims during upcoming religious observances.
The discussion also touched upon the current law and order situation in Balochistan, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and restoring peace across the province.
The Gwadar Safe City Project, valued at Rs4.96 billion, has been approved after nearly ten years of deliberations. It is jointly financed by the federal and provincial governments under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The project includes the installation of high-tech CCTV surveillance systems, real-time monitoring hubs, and integrated security infrastructure across key areas in Gwadar.
This cutting-edge initiative is expected to significantly enhance crime detection, support efficient policing, and offer greater protection for both residents and international stakeholders. About 30% of the project has already been completed, and it is scheduled for full completion by June 2026.
The Gwadar Safe City Project represents a vital component of Pakistan’s broader vision to develop Gwadar into a secure, modern, and economically thriving port city under the strategic framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).