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Senator Quratulain Marri presides over the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives at the Parliament House on May 15, 2025. — Facebook@Pakistansenate
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ISLAMABAD: The Senate panel has expressed concern over the delay in the Safe City project in Gwadar and asked the authorities to provide funds to avoid the delay in the implementation of Port City’s master plan.
The Senate Standing Committee met at the Parliament House on Thursday, with Senator Quartolin Mary’s planning, development and special measures.
The committee also reviewed the use of the fourth quarter PSDP 2024-25 fund. The Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Steps (MOPD & SI) has stated that the total permit with the challenge of complete use till June 30 is Rs 1,002.46 billion. Reviewing the performance of the ministry, Senator Hormuds expressed concern over low costs, only 7 pcs used by finance division, 4 pcs, used by 4 pcs, used by 4 pcs, used 4 pcs, used by 4 pcs, 4 pcs. The Division Chairperson recommended that detailed reports of the use of funds be shared with the Senate Standing Committees to further review.
In a detailed discussion on the Gwadar Master Plan, the committee reviewed the funds allocation, supply and investment strategies. The chairperson expressed concern over the delay in the Safe City project and highlighted the contradiction where the Gwadar Development Authority cited the reasons for the shortage of funds, while the Finance Division confirmed that no funding was received by the Balochistan government. He emphasized that the formal process of demand should be followed. Senator Mary further emphasized that more basic needs should be given priority than tourism. “The master plan is not just about tourism, it must first ensure the welfare of the locals,” he said. He also called for a clear strategy on how the proposed investment would provide concrete concessions for development in the region.
The committee was also informed that the allegations of the port in Gwadar and Port Qasim are far more than any other regional port. Senator Mary questioned the justification. Officials made it clear that the fee was imposed by Customs and Gwadar Port Authority. The committee noted that despite the strategic importance of Gwadar, China has been offered to reduce China by 2,000 maritime miles compared to the current 10,000 through Xinjiang, it has less advantage. In 2009, 70 ships sank at Gwadar Port, while in 2024, only four arrived. Officials further pointed out that the Chabahar port in Iran is now fully operating in Iran, despite being developed after Gwadar, while Gwadar is inactive.
Senator Manzoor Ahmed raised concerns about the protection of the rights of small fishermen and questioned the steps taken by the Balochistan government. Senator Mary confirmed his concerns and directed the CPEC chief officer, Balochistan. Moreover, Gwadar Development Authority officials refused to presence the tanker mafia. Senator Mary expressed that a comprehensive report in July would help clarify the ground realities.
The Secretary, the Ministry of Communications, apprised the Senate panel about the Karachi Motorway Project and the ongoing talks with Azerbaijan. He noted that the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) has also been discussed with the expectations that Bank Section IV (Noshiro Feroz Ranipur) and Section V (Renipur Score) will be funded. The board is expected to be approved by September 2025. Sinator Mari advised that the project should not be delayed in September and that the supply list should not be sought along with monthly progress reports. On Hanza Khunjerab Road, officials said 11 damaged parts were being repaired.
The Senate panel also received a briefing on a report by the Monitoring Wing, M/O Planning, Development and Special Initiative, which is still on inspection and updating on the construction of the dam in Balochistan. After reviewing the contradictions in progress, Senator Mary recommended to seek WAPDA and supervision and diagnostic team representatives at the next meeting so that each dam project could be reviewed individually and the reasons for the delay could be determined.
