Govt kicks off Rs12bn Gadani shipbreaking yard modernization

Mettis Global reported that the federal government has started work on a Rs12 billion plan to upgrade the Gadani shipbreaking yard. Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said construction has begun on a 30-bed hospital, a labour colony, a school and solar power facilities. He made the remarks while chairing a steering committee meeting that reviewed progress, with the aim of meeting the safety and environmental norms of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

The overall scheme covers social and industrial infrastructure, including 32 kilometres of internal roads, a public park, treatment systems for hazardous and industrial waste, fire and rescue stations and water facilities. Project Director Saeed Ahmed Umrani told the committee that work has moved into active procurement and construction, supported by a Rs780 million federal PSDP allocation for 2026-27. The minister asked authorities to keep momentum going and ensure new facilities meet strict operating standards.

Gadani is significant to the steel-scrap trade in Pakistan and to wider supply networks, the release noted. The ministry wants to replace old shipbreaking practices with a contemporary, secure and eco-friendly recycling sector.