Pakistan presses China for more Belt and Road investment in Gwadar

Pakistan is pushing hard for Belt and Road investment in Gwadar as progress at the port and its free zone remains slow. During a recent China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) meeting in Islamabad, officials asked the Chinese operator, China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC), to bring in more funds and present a time-bound business plan to boost the region’s development.

Gwadar Port is the centerpiece of Pakistan’s $50 billion CPEC plan, but its industrial area is struggling. COPHC has developed the southern part of Gwadar Free Zone with $250 million. While the much larger northern part is still untouched. Pakistan wants the operator to attract shipping activity and industries by making fresh Belt and Road investment in Gwadar.

Experts, however, believe challenges are far deeper. The absence of basic infrastructure, such as water and power supply, continues to hold back investors. A dedicated 10-megawatt power line was installed, but faulty transmission has led to repeated outages. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently formed a committee to find lasting solutions for Gwadar’s power and water crisis.

Analysts also point to geopolitics. Some experts say Pakistan’s recent outreach to Washington may influence China’s cautious stance. Others argue that delays are also linked to China’s own incomplete commitments. Without stable infrastructure, researchers warn, fresh Belt and Road investment in Gwadar will be financially risky.

Despite concerns, Pakistan remains determined to speed up Gwadar’s progress. The government hopes that securing new Chinese commitments will finally turn the port city into a hub of trade and industry. But for now, experts agree that both countries need to resolve trust, security, and infrastructure gaps before meaningful growth can happen.