ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced plans to enhance communication and road networks surrounding the New Gwadar International Airport, aiming to link it more effectively with other regions of Pakistan, particularly the Balochistan province. These developments were discussed during a review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the New Gwadar International Airport as a key transit point, urging the implementation of a practical strategy to increase its activity. He underscored that the airport's operationalization is expected to stimulate regional prosperity and generate employment opportunities. The airport is hailed as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, with the Prime Minister expressing gratitude to China for its contribution to establishing an airport of international standards.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of robust security measures at the airport. The meeting highlighted that the New Gwadar International Airport is the largest in the country by area, capable of accommodating 400,000 passengers annually and handling A-380 aircraft. Initial flights from Gwadar to Muscat are scheduled to commence on the 10th of the following month, with ongoing negotiations involving private airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to initiate both domestic and international flight operations.

Further discussions during the meeting revealed that the first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, aimed at improving road connectivity to the airport, has been completed, and the feasibility study for the second phase is currently underway. Additionally, personnel from various agencies, including the Pakistan Airport Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Service, have been deployed at the airport to ensure smooth operations and security.