Balochistan govt sign MoU for building Gwadar shipyard

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Defense Production Zubaida Jalal has said that Gwadar Shipyard would be owned by the government of Balochistan which was being acquired by the federal government under equity.

A Memorandum of Understand (MoU) was signed on Gwadar Shipyard between Balochistan and federal government witnessed by Zubaida Jalal and Chief Minister Balochistan at the CM Secretariat.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Jam Kamal Khan, Provincial Ministers including Mir Muhammad Saleem Khosa, Mir Arif Jan Muhammad Hasani, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Bushra Rind and concerned provincial and federal officials were present on the occasion.

The federal minister said the capacity of Gwadar Shipyard would be much greater than Karachi Shipyard which would be significant for improvement in economy of Balochistan.

She said the professional training of HIT would be provided to youth of Balochistan in Gwadar Institute and Karachi Shipyard to enable them to work outside the country after making them skilled. A workshop will be established for repairing ships in Gwadar in order to provide better facilities in the area, she added.

Zubaida Jalal further said the federal government has taken the responsibility of providing basic facilities to the local population in the area. She said no one would be evicted from Gwadar and a comprehensive plan was being made to provide basic necessities including education and health to the local population.

“The government has assured full cooperation for the development of Gwadar and its environs and in this regard, whatever demand has been made by Balochistan is being seriously implemented, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan said the joint venture of Gwadar Shipyard was a historic project which would help to enhance economic and development of Balochistan in future.

He said that Gwadar Shipyard has created extraordinary employment opportunities for the youth in Balochistan. He said that the province will move towards financial self-reliance with projects like Gwadar Shipyard.