Gwadar Airport: Pakistan’s Joy, China’s ‘Donation’

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Pakistan inaugurated the new Gwadar Airport in Balochistan.
2. While Pakistan hails it as a symbol of friendship, China refers to it as a “donation.”
3. The airport, costing USD 230 million, was funded by the Chinese government.
4. Gwadar is central to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
5. Critics have labeled it a part of China’s “debt-trap diplomacy.”

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Inauguration of Gwadar International Airport

The newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport is a milestone for both Pakistan and China. Located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, the airport represents a significant Chinese investment in Pakistan’s infrastructure. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a speech during the inauguration in October 2024, called the airport a symbol of “deep friendship” between the two nations. However, Chinese media, including Global Times, have referred to the airport as a “donation,” sparking a range of reactions across the region.

Strategic Importance of Gwadar

The Gwadar Airport is not just an infrastructure project but also a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of China’s flagship initiatives under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar, with its deep-sea port, is intended to provide China with direct access to the Arabian Sea, offering a more secure and shorter route to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, bypassing the Malacca Strait.

Criticism and Controversy

While Gwadar is hailed as a development boon for Pakistan, there are growing concerns about its strategic implications. The CPEC project has been accused of driving Pakistan into a debt trap, where loans given by China are seen as unsustainable, eventually leading to Chinese control of critical infrastructures. Critics have cited Sri Lanka’s experience with the Hambantota Port as a cautionary tale. In Balochistan, local groups like the Baloch Liberation Army have actively resisted Chinese influence, citing a lack of local development benefits and the exploitation of resources.

Gwadar’s Economic Potential

Despite its strategic significance, Gwadar and the wider CPEC project have faced several challenges in realizing their full economic potential. According to reports, the airport and seaport have not yet seen substantial international usage due to insufficient marketing and poor coordination between the relevant authorities. Pakistani officials will need to address these issues to ensure the airport plays a major role in global aviation and trade networks.

Conclusion

Gwadar International Airport stands as a testament to the strategic and economic partnership between China and Pakistan, but it is also a focal point of global debate regarding China’s growing influence in the region. For Pakistan, the airport represents both an opportunity for development and a potential source of new diplomatic tensions. With a focus on overcoming local challenges and improving global connections, Gwadar’s future could play a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of the region.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The Gwadar International Airport marks a pivotal moment in China-Pakistan relations. It stands as a symbol of cooperation but also raises questions about the sustainability of China’s investments in Pakistan. Addressing local opposition and operational challenges will be critical for Pakistan in maximizing the airport’s potential.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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