Rs12bn Gadani Shipbreaking Yard Overhaul Begins

ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: Work has commenced on a Rs12 billion project to modernize the Gadani shipbreaking yard and upgrade its infrastructure in line with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday.

Chairing a steering committee meeting to review progress on the project, the minister said physical construction had begun on key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, labor colony, school and solar power infrastructure.

“Our objective is to transform Gadani’s traditional shipbreaking practices into a modern, safe and environmentally responsible ship-recycling industry that meets global standards,” he said, emphasizing the yard’s important role in Pakistan’s steel-scrap market and supply chains.

The project includes both social and industrial infrastructure, with 32 kilometers 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 meeting that implementation had entered the active procurement and construction phase, supported by a federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs780 million for 2026-27.

The modernization project aims to bring the Gadani shipbreaking yard into compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry directed the project authorities to maintain the pace of implementation and ensure that all new infrastructure meets stringent operational and safety standards.