Work has begun on a Rs12 billion project to modernize the Gadani shipbreaking yard, upgrading infrastructure to align the facility with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Thursday.
Chairing a steering committee meeting to review progress on the project, Junaid Chaudhry said physical construction is underway on key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, a labor colony, a 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,” 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, incorporating 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 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 project authorities to maintain implementation momentum and ensure all new infrastructure meets strict operational benchmarks.
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