Balochistan to Introduce New Ship-Breaking Law

Balochistan will introduce a dedicated ship-breaking law and formally request the federal government to declare Gadani’s ship-breaking yard as an official industry, reported a news daily. The statement came during Senior Minister for Planning and Development Zahoor Buledi’s visit to the Gadani yard, where he presided over a meeting to review the performance of the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) and assess ongoing and proposed development initiatives. The federal government has already approved a Rs. 12 billion project to transform the Gadani yard into a model facility. This includes the development of road infrastructure, a 30-bed hospital, a fire station, a rescue centre, a one-window investor facilitation centre, and a dedicated water supply project. In addition, work is underway to establish treatment and storage units for hazardous waste generated from ship-recycling operations. Buledi also directed the BDA to prepare a human resource development plan aimed at ensuring the local population directly benefits from the industry. The minister highlighted the sector’s contribution to national economic development and tax revenue. During the meeting, the Ship-Breakers Association raised concerns about the adverse impact of smuggled, non-duty-paid scrap from Iran, which has undercut the domestic industry. The minister assured the delegation that the issue would be addressed with the federal authorities.