Pakistan's third modern port at Gwadar started operation after its formal inauguration by President Pervez Musharraf at an impressive ceremony here on Tuesday. The port operation commenced with the unloading of cargo from three ships, which had anchored earlier.
Addressing a big gathering, attended by people of the area, the President termed the opening of Gwadar Port an historic event. He announced that Balochistan would have its second port, and fourth of Pakistan, at Sonmiani, about 100 km from Karachi, and its foundation stone would be laid this year.
Declaring that the present government "is committed to the development of Balochistan", President Musharraf said that Gwadar would be made an industrial hub, a centre for container handling, and an energy corridor. He pointed out that development projects, costing Rs 130 billion, "are being implemented in Balochistan at present". The President told the gathering that six months back the area was almost a desert and it was the present government, which embarked upon its development.
First of all, he said, the work started with the construction of Coastal Highway at a cost of Rs 12-13 billion, "as roads bring prosperity wherever constructed". He said that fish, which used to go waste, "is now being marketed" in Karachi, fetching higher price because of this vital road link, "and the people of the area are now growing prosperous".
General Musharraf said that Gwadar Port was envisioned so that there would be development and prosperity in Gwadar and, resultantly, the entire Balochistan. He announced that the Coastal Highway would now be further extended to link Gwadar with Central Asia, China, Iran and Turkmenistan, and this area would prove to be a trade corridor, and importance of Gwadar would increase further in coming years.
Assuring that there would be more prosperity here in the coming days, the President told the area people to have confidence in him, and his government, "which is committed for your welfare".
He lauded the commendable role of China in the construction of Gwadar Port and said that now Singapore Port Authority would run its operation which would help enhance its significance in the region as well as in the world.
He said that the present government is endeavouring for the development of Balochistan and its every district has been provided Rs 100 million for development schemes in respective areas. "Besides, every Tehsil has been given Rs 10 million for the same purpose".
The President announced that a 'Marine College' would be built in Gwadar, and its cost would be shared by Balochistan and Federal governments. The President also announced Rs 10 million for education, health and sewerage schemes in Gwadar.
He said that the government has development plans for rural areas of the province as well and announced Rs 50 million for the purpose. He said a Fishermen Colony would be provided in Gwadar, and asked the Balochistan Governor and Chief Minister to execute this scheme. Besides, he announced a fishermen's training centre in Gwadar where modern fishing methods would be taught.
The President declared that Balochistan's destiny "is linked with Pakistan, and the two are inseparable". Balochistan, he said, suffered from backwardness and poverty for long, and no one in the past 50 years thought of its development.
"Our government considered development of this province six years ago, and we planned the communication system, roads, rail and airport", he said, and added that "our government gave strategic Coastal Highway, and now the 950 km Gwadar-Turbat-Khuzdar-Ratodero highway is being constructed and will be completed in two-and-a-half years, after which Gwadar will be connected with entire Pakistan".
He said that yet another important road link, from Gwadar to Kohlu, would also be provided, while a new airport would be constructed in Gwadar. He referred to a study initiated on Gwadar to Dalbandin and Qandhar railway line and thus, he said, a network of communication system would be laid in the province, which would come on the ground in the next 5-6 years.
General Musharraf said that irrigation system was also being streamlined. Mirani dam has already been constructed, which will bring 35,000 acres land under irrigation, while Subakzai dam was also ready and he would perform its inauguration in a few months, while Katchi Canal is being constructed which will bring 0.7 million acres land under cultivation.
He said that watercourses in the province are being lined, for which, Rs 5 billion has been allocated. This scheme would take 2 years to complete. The President said that electricity and gas would be supplied to villages of Balochistan and gas line was being taken from Zarghoon to Quetta.
He said there are some elements who speak against Punjab, but they should know that the government and the people of Punjab advocate investment and development in Balochistan.