Islamabad (GNP): Construction has begun on a Rs12 billion modernization project for the Gadani shipbreaking yard, aimed at upgrading its infrastructure to meet international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday.
Chairing a steering committee session to review the project’s progress, Chaudhry said physical construction is now underway on several key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, a labor colony, a school, and solar power infrastructure.
He said the goal is to shift Gadani away from traditional shipbreaking methods toward a modern, safe and environmentally responsible ship-recycling operation in line with global standards, pointing to the yard’s important role in Pakistan’s steel-scrap market and broader supply chains.
The project spans both social and industrial infrastructure, including 32 kilometers of internal roads, a public park, hazardous and industrial waste-treatment systems, fire and rescue stations, and dedicated water treatment facilities.
Project Director Saeed Ahmed Umrani informed the committee that implementation has moved into active procurement and construction, supported by a federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs780 million for 2026-27.
The overhaul is designed to bring the Gadani yard into compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
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Chaudhry instructed project officials to maintain the pace of implementation and ensure all new infrastructure meets strict operational standards.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
