Gwadar port unlikely to open on eve of Hu’s visit

ISLAMABAD—The chances for inauguration of Gwadar port on the eve of Chinese president visit to Pakistan look remote owing to lack of finalization of operators and persistent delay in the construction of infrastructure particularly building of roads.
Sources told Online Tuesday that Chinese engineers had completed Gwadar deep sea port in April, 2006 and handed over it to Pakistan. The construction of remaining infrastructure including residential and commercial buildings, roads and offices was to be completed by Pakistan authorities. But they have failed to do this job so far. Therefore, opening of the port seems to remain in doldrums. Sources informed that President General Pervez Musharraf has expressed dismay and resentment over inordinate delay in construction of infrastructure. He wanted to inaugurate the port on the occasion of Chinese president visit to Pakistan. But ministry of ports and shipping is not prepared for it and list of operators has not been finalized up till now.—Online