Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expedite efforts to develop air cargo facilities and establish business partnerships to position Gwadar as a hub for international airlines. Iqbal emphasized the strategic importance of Gwadar International Airport in a high-level meeting aimed at boosting the region's aviation capabilities. According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting, chaired by Iqbal, highlighted the potential for Gwadar to serve as a cost-effective alternative for international airlines currently using Oman and Dubai for technical landings. Iqbal instructed officials to position Gwadar International Airport as an attractive option for these airlines, focusing on its strategic location and potential economic benefits. To further incentivize long-haul flights from regions such as South Africa and Australia, the Minister proposed providing attractive rates for at least five years. He underscored the importance of technical landings as a key strategy to achieve this goal, aiming to boost Gwadar's role in international aviation and contribute to the region's economic growth.