The Gawadar Port Authority (GPA) has officially informed the Government of Balochistan that the revenue generated from Gawadar Port does not include any share for the province itself. This development has raised concerns regarding the financial rights and benefits of Balochistan, which hosts this strategic port.
According to the official communication, the operational management of Gawadar Port is now under the control of a Chinese company. As per the memorandum, two operational entities at the port are paying a 9% share of their earnings to the Gawadar Port Authority (GPA), while a third entity is contributing 15% of its income to the same authority. This means that the total revenue collected by the port authorities is not allocated to Balochistan, despite the province hosting the port and bearing much of the socio-economic impacts.
The provincial chief, Chief Minister Mir Sardar Raza Baloch, has assured that the issue will be raised with the federal government. He emphasized that Balochistan’s rights regarding the revenue share from Gawadar port are an important matter that needs urgent attention at the national level. He also underlined that the provincial government is determined to seek fair and just distribution of the port’s income, ensuring that Balochistan benefits proportionally from this vital infrastructural development.
This situation sparks debate over the distribution of economic resources within Pakistan, especially concerning regions that host major national projects but do not directly benefit financially. Historically, Balochistan has argued for its rightful share of revenue from natural resources and strategic assets, pointing out that the province bears significant costs and sacrifices for national mega-projects like Gawadar.
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The federal government’s response and implementation of policies concerning revenue sharing from Gawadar will be critical. The provincial government is expected to continue its diplomatic efforts, urging for a transparent mechanism that ensures fair distribution of the port’s earnings. This issue also highlights ongoing regional and political sensitivities, raising awareness about the importance of equitable resource sharing for a balanced national development.
In conclusion, this latest correspondence from Gawadar Port Authority indicates a pressing need for a comprehensive review of revenue-sharing policies. Balochistan’s leadership remains committed to securing a fair share in the port’s income, believing that the economic benefits of Gawadar should be shared with the province that is hosting and supporting this strategic asset. The federal government’s response will be closely watched as stakeholders aim to resolve this issue in a manner that promotes justice, transparency, and regional harmony.
