Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to inaugurate operations at the Chinese-funded Gwadar International Airport in Pakistan's Balochistan province during his upcoming visit, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced.

The $200 million airport, located in Gwadar, was initially slated to open on August 14. However, the inauguration was postponed due to a security review following deadly attacks by separatist militants in the region.

Premier Li will be in Pakistan from October 14 to 17, accompanied by ministers and officials, according to Pakistan’s foreign affairs ministry. His visit coincides with Pakistan hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on October 15-16 in Islamabad.

The Gwadar International Airport, one of Pakistan's largest, will facilitate both domestic and international flights, as per the Civil Aviation Authority. Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was initially set to inaugurate the airport in August, the plan was cancelled after a Baloch rights group staged a sit-in protest, officials confirmed.

The Balochistan region has long been affected by separatist insurgents demanding a share of the area’s resource wealth. In addition to separatist violence, Islamist militants have become active since 2022, further complicating the security situation.

Recent attacks underscore the challenges faced by Chinese investments in the region. Last week, two Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion near Karachi’s international airport, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility. The group stated that the attack targeted Chinese nationals, including engineers.

In response to these incidents, China has pledged to collaborate with Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country. (ET)