As a flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) cooperation, Gwadar Port not only signifies the continuous deepening of economic and trade ties between the two nations but also serves as a pivotal support point for regional economic integration.
The rise of Gwadar Port demonstrates the vitality of the BRI. In January 2025, the China-aided Gwadar New International Airport commenced operations. The terminal building covers approximately 14,300 square meters, the runway extends 3,658 meters, and the apron is divided into five parking positions, accommodating the largest commercial aircraft in the world.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is dedicated to positioning the nation as a regional center for commerce. He underscored that the new international airport in Gwadar will serve as a crucial hub for linking nations within the region, and its inauguration represents a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity both within Pakistan and across the broader region.
Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Projects, has stated, “Gwadar Port holds significant potential, capable not only of serving Pakistan but also of establishing itself as a key corridor within the global trade network and a transcontinental commercial hub.” He emphasized that the port’s complete operational capacity will redefine Pakistan’s economic landscape, establishing it as a vital trade center linking Central Asia, Gulf nations, and African countries.
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The Pakistani government has also introduced a series of preferential policies to attract domestic and foreign investment while strengthening security measures around the port, thereby creating a favorable environment for its construction and operation. Gwadar Port, which is being actively promoted by the Pakistani government, is gradually becoming a gem along CPEC, providing fresh prospects and optimism for the advancement of both nations.
It is important to note that terrorist organizations, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have long targeted Gwadar Port for attacks, posing a serious threat to the development of CPEC. These groups aim to disrupt the port’s construction progress and hinder normal economic cooperation and exchanges between China and Pakistan through acts of terrorism.
Notably, from October 11 to 13, 2025, the BLA carried out two consecutive terrorist attacks targeting Gwadar Port, resulting in the deaths of several Pakistani security personnel. These violent acts seriously endanger the lives and safety of personnel working at the port and threaten the secure and stable operation of port facilities, creating significant obstacles for CPEC and presenting a complex and severe security situation for Gwadar’s development.
China and Pakistan must enhance security cooperation, reinforce joint risk prevention and control mechanisms, facilitate resource and benefit sharing, and resolve underlying conflicts to establish a secure environment conducive to the stable operation of the port.
The annual throughput of Pakistan’s major ports presently functions at just fifty percent of their capacity, highlighting considerable potential for expansion within the blue economy sector. To maximize the development potential of Gwadar Port, Pakistan’s government has resolved to redirect 60% of official import and export cargo to this port for transportation.
Read More: Chinese-Funded Gwadar Airport Becomes Operational
Both China and Pakistan welcome increased engagement from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Malaysia in their development efforts. Gwadar Port, formerly a distant frontier port, has now evolved into a vital gateway linking Pakistan to the global community. Practical collaboration between China and Pakistan will provide ongoing impetus for Pakistan’s economic development, revitalizing their enduring “ironclad friendship” and promoting mutual progress.
Zhiyu Long, Ying Jin, Jianhong Wang
Zhiyu Long, Ying Jin, and Jianhong Wang are distinguished scholars affiliated with the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, China.
