ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehabz Sharif has welcomed the launch of Gwadar International Airport’s operations, saying that the newly inaugurated facility would benefit not only the economy of Balochistan but the entire country. “Gwadar Airport could bring about immense benefits to the people of Balochistan as well as the whole country, if run on commercial lines,” the premier said in his televised opening remarks at the meeting of the federal cabinet. Gwadar International Airport, a key project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), became operational a day earlier with the landing of the first PIA flight from Karachi carrying 46 passengers. Spread across 4,300 acres, the airport is Pakistan’s largest in terms of area. Located 26 kilometres from Gwadar city in the Gurandani area, the airport features a single runway measuring 3,658 metres in length and 75 metres in width. The runway is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. During today’s meeting, the premier informed the cabinet that the airport, completed with $230 million in funding from China, started operations as the country’s largest airport a day earlier. “But those who are poised to hurt Pakistan and continue to kill people, are not just going against the people of Balochistan but also showing their animosity against the entire Pakistan… We should value this Chinese gift to Pakistan. Gwadar Airport will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan’s development,” he remarked. Referring to the 10-Year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan announced by the World Bank, he said Pakistan would get $20 billion in loans intended to develop multiple social sectors and infrastructure.

 

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