Back in 2017, Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masoud Khalid stated that Gwadar would be fully operational within ‘three to four years’. Based on this timeframe, the port would have achieved all its aims by 2021 and while it’s on the road to those goals, it may still be too early in terms of ‘World Class City’ status.
We also know that Gwadar’s international airport is scheduled to open in 2022. Of the many projects currently underway in the city this is, arguably, the most pivotal and once complete, Gwadar can start to look forward to competing on the global stage.
Trade, tourism and an increase in the city’s population should follow from this point and perhaps, we could look to 2024 as the point when Gwadar’s World Class status is confirmed. This is the year when the city’s population is expected to hit a comfortable 500,000.
Until then, Gwadar is progressing rapidly and for those looking at property purchases, the city is set to provide first class comfortable living way before any ‘world class’ status is globally recognised.
