Work has begun on a Rs12 billion project to modernise the Gadani shipbreaking yard, with infrastructure being upgraded to bring the facility in line with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said.
Chairing a steering committee meeting to review progress on the project, Junaid Chaudhry said construction is under way on key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, labour colony, school and solar power infrastructure, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
"Our objective is to transform Gadani's traditional shipbreaking practices into a modern, safe and environmentally responsible ship-recycling industry that meets global standards," Junaid Chaudhry said, noting the yard's critical role in Pakistan's steel-scrap market and supply chains.
The project covers both social and industrial infrastructure, including 32 kilometres 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 briefed the committee that implementation has entered the active procurement and construction phase, backed by a federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs780 million for 2026-27. The overhaul aims to bring Gadani in line with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Junaid Chaudhry directed the project authorities to maintain implementation momentum and ensure that all new infrastructure meets strict operational benchmarks.