Gwadar Power Crisis Disrupts life and Trade, Officials seek Urgent Solutions
Gwadar, Pakistan – September 21, 2025 – A severe and ongoing power crisis is crippling daily life and hindering economic activity in Gwadar, Pakistan, officials warned today. The disruptions are impacting residents,the crucial Gwadar Port,the Gwadar Free Zone,and the city’s 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant, essential for providing potable water.
Noor ul Haq Baloch, Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), emphasized the need for immediate action, stating a permanent solution requires ”immediate joint efforts by the federal government and Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco).” Baloch voiced his concerns during a meeting with Qesco Chief Executive Officer Yousaf Shah to address the district’s persistent electricity problems.
Since Gwadar’s connection to the national grid, residents have faced repeated power fluctuations, outages, and loadshedding. Baloch highlighted the difficulties caused by unannounced power cuts,low voltage,and frequent transformer breakdowns.
Both the GPA and Qesco representatives underscored the urgent need to modernize Gwadar’s electricity infrastructure, specifically calling for the replacement of outdated power lines and transformers to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply to the city and surrounding areas.
The crisis threatens to undermine Gwadar’s development as a key component of the china-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. The port is strategically located and vital for trade, but consistent power supply is essential for its efficient operation and the success of associated projects like the Free Zone.
(Published in Dawn,September 19th,2025)
