Balochistan Government to Introduce Ship Breaking Act, Says Senior Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi
Quetta:Senior Provincial Minister for Planning and Development and Pakistan Peoples Party leader, **Mir Zahoor Buledi**, announced that the Balochistan government is formulating a comprehensive policy to improve law and order and promote industrial activities, including the introduction of a **Ship Breaking Act**.
During a review meeting at the Balochistan Development Authority (BDA) Complex on the occasion of his visit to **Gadani Ship Breaking Yard**, the minister stated that the Act will soon be passed, and efforts will be made to have **ship breaking recognized as an industry** at the federal level.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing a **secure and peaceful environment** for both investors and citizens. Speaking to participants about the modernization of the Gadani Yard, Buledi called for the BDA to devise a **human development plan** that directly benefits the local population.
Highlighting the federal government’s approval of a **Rs. 12 billion project** to transform Gadani into a model yard, he said this initiative would boost the ship breaking industry and improve facilities for investors. He also noted that the **Hong Kong Convention roadmap** is being followed for the environmentally safe recycling of decommissioned ships.
Buledi stressed that the **Gadani Ship Recycling Industry** is playing a key role in national economic growth and tax revenue generation. BDA Chairman Capt. (R) Javed briefed the minister on the components of the approved development project, which includes **road infrastructure**, a **30-bed hospital**, **modern rescue center**, **fire brigade station**, **water project**, and a **one-window facilitation center**.
He also highlighted that work is underway on the safe **treatment and storage of hazardous waste** produced during ship recycling operations.
The **Pakistan steel sector**, particularly **re-rolling mills and allied industries**, heavily relies on raw materials from the ship breaking industry, providing employment to a large number of people.
Meanwhile, the **Ship Breakers Association** raised concerns over the **influx of smuggled, non-custom paid Iranian scrap**, which they say is harming the domestic industry and reducing tax revenues. They urged the government to take immediate action to curb the flow of illegal scrap.
In response, Minister Buledi appreciated the Association’s input and assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the federal government. He acknowledged their role in the industry’s development and reaffirmed the government’s support in addressing their challenges.
