Mir Sarfraz Khan Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, emphasized the critical need for the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) to attain financial independence during the 31st meeting of the GDA governing body held in Quetta. He underscored that development agencies like the GDA must generate their own revenue streams to sustain growth and avoid becoming a financial burden on the provincial government. This call for self-reliance comes amid ongoing efforts to transform Gwadar into a thriving coastal city with modern infrastructure and enhanced civic amenities.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including MNA Haji Malik Shah, MPA Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Zahid Saleem, GDA Director General Moin ur Rehman Khan, Gwadar District Chairman Waja Shai Mukhtar, as well as representatives from the Planning Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Railways, and the National Highway Authority. Together, they reviewed the current status of Gwadar’s development projects, assessed the provision of essential services, and discussed financial matters alongside future initiatives aimed at accelerating the city’s progress.
One of the major outcomes of the session was the approval of the GDA’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. However, Chief Minister Bugti expressed serious concern over the stark disparity between the authority’s income and expenditures. He revealed that while the GDA’s annual revenue stands at a modest Rs70 million, its expenses soar to Rs870 million, highlighting a significant financial deficit. This alarming gap, he stressed, necessitates urgent reforms focused on enhancing the institution’s capacity to generate sustainable income independently.
In line with this vision, Bugti announced a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at revitalizing the GDA into a more efficient and proactive organization. These reforms are designed to enable the authority to meet its development targets effectively and play a pivotal role in Gwadar’s overall growth trajectory. He also instructed the provincial finance department to carry out a special audit to ensure complete transparency in the GDA’s financial dealings, with a detailed report to be presented at the next governing body meeting.
Beyond financial restructuring, the meeting greenlit several key infrastructure projects that will be incorporated into the upcoming fiscal year’s development program. These include feasibility studies and upgrades for drainage and sewerage systems, street improvements, and road infrastructure enhancements in vulnerable low-lying neighborhoods such as TTC Colony, Bakhshi Colony, Shambay Ismail, and Naya Abad. These initiatives aim to address longstanding civic challenges and improve living conditions for Gwadar’s residents.
Water supply, a critical issue for Gwadar’s sustainability, was also a major topic of discussion. The governing body approved the consolidation and expansion of grants for the GDA Water Project, with Bugti urging officials to explore alternative water sources to bolster the city’s supply network. GDA Director General Moin ur Rehman Khan reported positive developments, noting that the Soud Dam, which had previously dried up due to insufficient rainfall, has resumed water supply following recent rains. Additionally, Gwadar continues to receive water from the Shadi Kaur Dam and the Gwadar Port Authority’s treatment plant, ensuring an uninterrupted flow to meet the city’s needs.
In a move to support the welfare of GDA employees, the meeting also approved the payment of outstanding medical dues, reflecting the administration’s commitment to staff well-being. Chief Minister Bugti reaffirmed the provincial government’s dedication to transforming Gwadar into a modern, sustainable coastal metropolis. He pledged to leverage all available resources and enhance institutional performance to provide the highest possible quality of life and services to the city’s inhabitants.
As Gwadar continues to emerge as a strategic hub under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), these developments underscore the importance of robust governance and financial discipline within the GDA. The Chief Minister’s push for financial autonomy and institutional reform signals a proactive approach to ensuring Gwadar’s long-term growth and prosperity, aligning with broader provincial and national development goals.
