Pakistani authorities say the country's largest airport, which was built and funded by Beijing, has become operational in the restive southwest province of Balochistan.

The newly inaugurated Gwadar airport in Balochistan has been branded a "donation" by the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece, Global Times. This even as Pakistan hailed the USD 230-million airport as a "symbol of friendship".

Situated in Balochistan, a province long plagued by insurgency and calls for independence, Gwadar airport aims to bolster connectivity in a strategically important yet volatile area

The Gwadar International Airport and the Gwadar deep sea port built in the province under the USD 42 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC) are seen as important for boosting trade an

This photo taken on Sept 13, 2024 shows a terminal at the New Gwadar International Airport in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) The New Gwadar International Airport, funded a

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday termed the inauguration of Gwadar International Airport (GIA) is a milestone for

Shehbaz Sharif said China is Pakistan's exemplary brother who has always played a key role in the country's development. He also commended Minister of Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif, the Government of Balochistan, security officers, personnel, and military leadership for their tireless efforts in the construction of the airport.

Pakistan and China were recently at loggerheads over the control and ownership of Gwadar Port with Islamabad stating that the port, which was built with substantial Chinese investment, belongs solely to Pakistan and won't be handed over to any foreign entity.

The Reko Diq copper and gold project in Pakistan is expected to generate approximately $74 billion in free cash flow over the next 37 years, based on consensus long-term prices, the CEO of joint owner Barrick Gold said in a media interview.

An operation is underway to rescue eight miners who remain trapped after a mine collapsed on Jan. 9 following a gas explosion that killed at least four others, Pakistani officials said. Camera: FAYYAZ AHMAD FOOTAGE OF RESCUERS AND SAFETY OFFICIALS WORKING AT THE SITE OF A MINE COLLAPSE NEAR QUETTA,

The airport, equipped with modern facilities, is expected to play a critical role in boosting regional connectivity and strengthening Pakistan's position in global trade and infrastructure development.

Pakistan's largest airport in Gwadar, funded by China, has started operations, with the first flight arriving from Karachi. The airport is a key component of the CPEC project, aiming to boost trade and regional connectivity.