Gwadar enjoys 23-year tax holiday, Senate told

ISLAMABAD:

The government on Friday informed the Senate that the New Gwadar International Airport, operational since Jan 20, 2025, along with the Gwadar Free Zone and improved highway connectivity, is expected to facilitate access for Balochistan’s agricultural, mineral and fisheries sectors to national and international markets.

Responding during the Question Hour on behalf of Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the airport and related infrastructure formed part of broader efforts to strengthen trade logistics and economic activity in the province. He told the House that a fully developed Gwadar Free Zone, spread over approximately 2,281 acres at Gwadar Port, is operational and designed to support trade, re-export, warehousing, distribution and industrial activities.

The minister said investors in the free zone are being offered incentives including a 23-year tax holiday on federal, provincial and local taxes, lease options of up to 99 years, and exemption from import duties and sales tax on machinery and equipment.