Pakistan celebrates Gwadar airport opening, China calls it a generous gift

Photo: AFP

On Monday, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) landed its first flight at the newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport in Balochistan. The event was marked with a traditional water salute to welcome the aircraft. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the airport as a shining symbol of the deep friendship between Pakistan and China. However, the Chinese state-run publication Global Times referred to the airport as a "donation," raising eyebrows.

"The New Gwadar International Airport, a donation by China, officially commenced operations on Monday. The first flight, PIA503 of Pakistan International Airlines from Karachi, arrived at the newly inaugurated airport," stated a post on Global Times’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The airport, constructed with a $230 million grant from China, is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The foundation stone of the airport was laid by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in March 2019, but the facility was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in October 2024.

Speaking at the inauguration, PM Sharif expressed his gratitude to China, highlighting the modern and international standards of the airport. "The people and government of Pakistan are thankful to China for this important contribution," he said.

Mixed Reactions to China's "Donation" Label

While Pakistani officials celebrated the milestone, Global Times stirred controversy by referring to the airport as a "donation." The term sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users mocking the description. Riaz Baloch, a user on X, called the airport "part of CPEC’s exploitation plan."

Critics pointed out that Gwadar has long been seen as a strategic point for China rather than a development project primarily benefiting Pakistan. The city’s deep-sea port, also built by China, was intended to connect western China to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the Strait of Malacca.

Challenges in Gwadar’s Development

Despite the large-scale investments, Gwadar has struggled to realize its full potential. Reports indicate that the airport has remained largely underutilized due to insufficient efforts to promote it internationally or develop it commercially. Local resistance and the ongoing secessionist movement in Balochistan have further complicated the situation.

Chinese nationals and projects in the region have faced attacks from the Baloch Liberation Army, reflecting the deep unrest in the area. In 2023, a report highlighted that Pakistan had not fully utilized even one-fifth of CPEC’s potential.

Global Concerns Over China's Debt-Trap Diplomacy

CPEC, with Gwadar as its centerpiece, has drawn international scrutiny for being part of what critics call China’s "debt-trap diplomacy." Under this strategy, China provides large loans to developing nations, often resulting in unsustainable debt burdens. When countries fail to repay, Beijing gains control of critical infrastructure, as seen with Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.

For now, Gwadar International Airport stands as a symbol of both opportunity and controversy, reflecting the complex relationship between Pakistan and China. While its future holds promise, significant challenges remain in realizing its potential for economic growth and regional connectivity.

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