QUETTA: Senior Minister for Planning and Development Balochistan, Zahoor Buledi, has announced that the provincial government is in the process of drafting legislation to formally regulate the ship-breaking sector and will urge the federal government to grant the Gadani ship-breaking yard the status of a recognized industry.
During a visit to the Gadani ship-breaking facility on Monday, the minister presided over a review meeting focused on infrastructure and industrial development in the area.
He emphasized that the provincial administration is working with urgency to create a safe and investor-friendly environment in Gadani, which is a significant hub for ship recycling in the country.
The meeting also assessed the ongoing initiatives of the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) and explored various strategies to enhance its efficiency and expand its role in launching meaningful development projects across the province.
Speaking on the need for modernization in the ship-breaking sector, Minister Buledi directed the BDA to formulate a human resource development plan that would deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
He further disclosed that the federal government had sanctioned a Rs12 billion development package aimed at transforming Gadani into a “model ship-breaking yard”.
The proposed upgrades are expected to boost investor confidence, expand the ship-recycling industry, and improve working conditions.
The minister noted that the roadmap aligns with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally compliant recycling of decommissioned vessels.
In addition to contributing to the national economy through tax generation, the Gadani ship-recycling sector plays a crucial role in supplying raw materials to steel re-rolling mills and related industries, creating employment opportunities for thousands.
During the meeting, the BDA chairman provided an update on the key components of the federally funded project.
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These include construction of new road networks, a 30-bed hospital, a modern rescue center, a fire brigade station, a one-window investor facilitation office, and a comprehensive water supply system.
The chairman also revealed that work is underway to establish facilities for the treatment and storage of hazardous waste generated from dismantled ships—an essential step toward ensuring environmental safety and compliance with international standards.
A delegation from the Ship-Breakers Association also participated in the session and voiced concerns about the negative impact of smuggled, non-duty-paid scrap metal entering Pakistan from Iran.
They stressed that curbing this illegal trade would benefit the domestic ship-breaking sector and increase the government’s tax revenues.
In response, Minister Buledi praised the association’s contributions to the economy and assured them of the provincial government’s support.
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He committed to raising their concerns with federal authorities to seek stronger enforcement against smuggled scrap and greater support for the local industry.
