This photograph taken on February 12, 2013 shows the construction site at Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea. PHOTO: AFP
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government has rejected objections raised by many on the handing over of Gwadar port to a Chinese company.
In a statement released on Friday, the official, who chose not to be named, said that the departments of port and shipping came under the federation and were not transferred to the provinces following the 18th Amendment changes. Constitutionally, matters regarding all ports of the country are dealt by the minister of ports and shipping and the provincial government has no role in them, he added.
The reason for constructing Gwadar port was to create jobs, the spokesperson said. He added that basic infrastructure in the area, such as roads and an economic zone, was important for its success; however, such facilities have yet to be made available in Gwadar.
The Chinese company had ensured it would set up a free economic zone in Gwadar which would promote trade and industry besides connecting Gwadar to other parts of the country, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
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As long as the country and the people prosper. I guess its a fair bargain.
Gwader was sold by the nawab of Baluchistan to Kingdom of Oman. It was later bought back by the government of Pakistan. In other words, Baluchistan cannot lay claim to the port as its exclusive territory, it belongs to all the provinces of Pakistan including Baluchistan.
Jobs?? Its for export from hinterland. The deeper the hinterland the batter it is for Balouchistan
Balochistan Government has no hand in any thing other than stealing exchequer money
Chinese are not stupid. Pakistan may have "handed over" that does not mean the Chinese have taken over. Two entirely different things.