Conversation with Naveed Kalmati, Former Minister and Ex- President of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce
Mir Naveed Kalmati is a successful businessman and politician, a pivotal figure in the ongoing development of Balochistan, particularly in the fields of commerce and public service. His efforts continue to shape the future of Gwadar and its role in the broader economic landscape of Pakistan. In 2018, he was appointed as the Caretaker Minister for the Department of Public Health and Engineering (PHE) in the Balochistan Caretaker Government setup, where he took significant steps to improve public infrastructure and health services in the province. His time in government further solidified his reputation as a dedicated leader with a deep understanding of the region’s challenges.
Mir Naveed Kalmati’s leadership extends to his role in the business community. He has served as the President of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce for two terms, where he was instrumental in advancing economic and trade opportunities for the region. His commitment to business growth also led to his position as Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Currently, he serves as the Group Chairman for the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, where he continues to drive initiatives that support the development of Gwadar as a key economic hub in Pakistan. Mir Naveed Kalmati is not only a successful businessman and politician but also comes from a prestigious family. He is the grandson of Mir Rahmat Kalmati, the Chief of Pasni, and one of the most influential figures in the region. His family is known for being one of the largest landowning families in the Gwadar district, which has further cemented his influence and reputation in the area.
With his unique combination of political, business, and social leadership, Mir Naveed Kalmati remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing development of Balochistan, particularly in the fields of commerce and public service. His efforts continue to shape the future of Gwadar and its role in the broader economic landscape of Pakistan.
While giving an exclusive interview to Haushang News, responding question regarding the current political landscape of Balochistan and major challenges province is facing today, Kalmati said "From my perspective, Balochistan is currently navigating through a complex set of challenges. Among the most pressing issues is the matter of law and order. Maintaining peace and ensuring security is crucial for any society to thrive, and Balochistan, with its unique geopolitical and social fabric, needs this stability more than ever. Our people have been resilient through countless hardships, but without a safe environment, it’s challenging to foster long-term progress.
"Alongside law and order, I believe there is an urgent need for good governance. In Balochistan, many areas lack efficient administrative systems, and this can lead to a disconnect between the people and the state. Good governance is not just about implementing policies but about being responsive to the needs of the community, ensuring transparency, and building trust. It means empowering local authorities to act effectively and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the province.
"For instance, in regions where there are ample resources, the benefits often don’t trickle down to the local population. This is an issue of governance that can only be resolved through sincere political will and a commitment to equitable development. I truly believe that with the right policies and a focus on enhancing local administrative capacities, Balochistan can overcome these challenges. However, this requires collaborative efforts from both the provincial and federal governments, as well as from civil society and local leaders."
Answering regarding the CPEC projects, He said that the relationship between Gwadar’s business community and the government is essential in his point of view and there should ideally be a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between Gwadar's business community and the government. I currently see this connection as quite weak. For CPEC to truly fulfill its potential, it’s essential for the local business community and government to work closely and communicate effectively.
"The projects under CPEC offer a tremendous opportunity for the people of Balochistan, especially for those in the coastal areas like Makran, to secure a brighter future. If CPEC is successfully implemented and Gwadar is transformed into a bustling business hub, the impact on Makran and other areas of Balochistan will be significant. I am certain that the people of Balochistan, particularly the local business community, have a lot to gain from this development.”
"When business activities flourish in any region, it is usually the local business community that benefits by engaging directly in these initiatives. However, this requires an environment where local businesses are actively involved and supported. By strengthening this connection, we can ensure that the benefits of CPEC extend to the local population, creating jobs, boosting local industries, and fostering a sustainable economic future for Balochistan."
Responding to the question regarding the recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Balochistan and other parts of the country, and security situation in Balochistan and how these incident incidents could negatively impact the economic development of Gwadar and the progress of CPEC, Kalmati said that unfortunately, these incidents are already having a negative impact. Anywhere in the world, if there is instability or a poor law and order situation, it becomes extremely difficult for business and development to thrive. Some people here have misunderstandings and reservations about these projects, which they have internalized over the years. For instance, certain groups believe that if the port in Gwadar becomes operational, if China or even Central Asian countries begin doing business here, it will somehow harm local interests. But I believe the opposite is true. CPEC presents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth, not just for Pakistan as a whole, but specifically for the people of Balochistan.
"Looking back to the 1980s, we can see examples of this. When USAID funded various development projects in Makran, there was initial opposition from Baloch leftist groups, including the Baloch Students Organization (BSO), who viewed these projects as a form of imperialism. Yet today, even decades later, we are still benefiting from those projects. Take, for example, the Kech Kor Bridge and other infrastructure built during that era; they continue to provide value to this day. Similarly, when the Pasni Fish Harbor was being developed by a German company funded by German aid, there was resistance from certain groups who saw it as an imperialist venture. However, once the harbor was completed in 1989, it ushered in a period of economic prosperity for Pasni that benefited the entire region.
"The reality is that Pakistan, especially Balochistan, is economically and educationally underdeveloped. Now, with CPEC, we have an opportunity to transform this situation. With the construction of roads and railway connectivity from the rugged mountains of Gilgit to the port in Gwadar, involving billions of rupees in investment, there is no harm in it. In fact, countries in Central Asia, particularly those without access to the sea, such as Afghanistan, see Gwadar as a gateway to economic prosperity.
"For those who oppose these mega-projects, I’d like to remind them of the same opposition that occurred in the 1980s. Those who resisted back then were quick to label development efforts as imperialistic, yet today, they are benefiting from the very projects they once opposed. The issue now is that the initial benefits of these projects may not be fully understood by some. If these groups could see the long-term potential of CPEC, they would realize that connecting Gwadar to Central Asia could fundamentally change lives in this region.
"Let me give an example: when the port was first established and news spread globally that it could become a business hub, the value of land in Gwadar skyrocketed. Where land once valued at a few thousand rupees per acre began to sell for lakhs, sparking a real estate boom. Economic development in Gwadar has already transformed the lives of locals, and further progress will only amplify this transformation.
"It is crucial for the government of Pakistan to take steps to address the negative perceptions around these projects. Efforts must be made to ensure the success of CPEC, which has seen a slow pace of development. For more than 20 years, we have heard about Gwadar Port, yet it is still not fully connected to the rest of Pakistan. We’ve lost valuable time because of this. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the local population, especially in Gwadar and Makran, is included in this economic growth. When they see that the development truly benefits them, they will embrace these projects wholeheartedly rather than oppose them."
On the question of as a former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, how do you view Gwadar’s economic development, and what steps are needed to maximize its potential as a trade hub under CPEC?
"As a former president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and a business leader, I believe Gwadar has vast economic potential. The district’s location offers several unique opportunities, especially in sectors like fisheries and agriculture. The fisheries sector, in particular, has tremendous untapped potential that, if managed properly, could become a major income source for Gwadar. Agriculture is another area that we have largely overlooked, despite its potential. The government of Balochistan is building and developing several dams, such as the Shadi Kaur Dam, which provides much-needed water channels that local farmers can utilize. Similarly, the construction of the Shinzani Dam and the completed dams, like Makula and Rumbro Dam in Kalmati, could serve the agricultural sector if irrigation channels are expanded and farmers receive proper support. Agriculture in Gwadar can offer excellent business opportunities if provided the right resources.
"Our historical region of Kalmati also has strong roots in fishing and livestock. Now that we have a functional port, we can boost both livestock and agriculture, not just in Gwadar but throughout the Makran region. By supporting these sectors, we can create substantial business and export opportunities, leading to economic benefits for the local community.
"Another essential factor is our proximity to Iran. The government should recognize the importance of encouraging border trade with Iran. This border trade could greatly benefit both the local population and the business community. Local businesses are always looking for new opportunities, and trade with Iran provides a chance for growth and increased prosperity in the region.
"The Gwadar port itself is now operational, and I see it as a gateway for all landlocked Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan, as well as certain landlocked areas within China. Many Chinese regions are geographically closer to Gwadar than to the Shanghai port. By providing access through Gwadar, we could open a vital route for these regions, allowing them to engage in trade with ease.
"In my view, with the proper investments and support, Gwadar can become a bustling trade hub that could bring benefits not only to the region but to the whole country. The CPEC infrastructure is a massive opportunity, and with Gwadar port fully operational, we can establish a strong connection to Central Asia. It is crucial for the government to continue promoting these trade connections and to ensure that the local population, especially in Gwadar and the broader Makran region, is involved in and benefits from this economic growth. By integrating the local community into these developments, we can foster confidence and ensure that the economic benefits are felt throughout the region, creating a brighter future for all."
Responding on the question of regarding his tenure as PHE Minister in Caretaker and step taken during this tenure Kalmati said that "During my tenure as the caretaker minister, addressing Gwadar’s water crisis was a primary focus. One significant step we took was to connect Pasni to the Shadi Kaur Dam via a channel. Afterward, we revised the original tender for the Gwadar-to-Shadi Kaur water pipeline. The initial plan was designed so that water from Shadi Kaur would only reach Gwadar, which could have severely impacted Pasni and surrounding villages along the route. By modifying this design, we ensured that the pipeline would benefit the communities in between as well. In collaboration with the Chinese, we also launched a new pipeline tender that included an additional connection for villages in the middle, so that they too could access water from Shadi Kaur Dam.
"We further entered into an agreement with Chinese partners to establish a desalination plant. The Chinese agreed to fund this project, and now the plant, which was completed recently, provides up to 2 million gallons of water daily to the city. This was a milestone achievement that addressed one of Gwadar’s critical water supply issues. "Another essential task during my tenure was the amendment of the Gwadar Master Plan. Initially, the plan proposed the relocation of the Old Town residents to another area. We restructured this approach to allow the residents to remain in the Old Town, transforming it into a modern, well-planned area rather than displacing the people. "Additionally, during the construction of the Expressway, a major issue arose regarding fishermen’s access routes being blocked. To resolve this, we constructed a dock and a breakwater to maintain their passage, ensuring their livelihoods were not compromised. "Moreover, in the Jam government, we launched several projects across the district focused on education, health, and sports. This included the establishment of multiple colleges, hospitals, and futsal grounds to enhance the quality of life for the people of Gwadar."
Kalmati sharing his view regarding the question on people Balochistan often feel underrepresented in national policies. And his point, what priorities should provincial and federal governments adopt to bridge this gap, he said that "since the 18th amendment, some powers have been devolved to the provinces, which should ideally help address these grievances. The provincial and federal governments need to strengthen their relations, especially focusing on Balochistan’s people, who have historically lagged behind in development compared to other provinces. Prioritizing development, creating more business opportunities, and offering enhanced employment prospects would directly address the concerns of Balochistan’s residents.
"I’d also like to add a note about CPEC. Being a Chinese initiative, CPEC has brought visible benefits to the people of Gwadar District. Firstly, we now have the Gwadar International Airport, which has boosted connectivity. Secondly, the operational port in Gwadar has raised the area’s strategic importance. Furthermore, a technical center built by the Chinese government offers great potential for local employment and technical education, though it hasn’t yet been fully utilized. If we manage it effectively, it could significantly improve both job opportunities and skill development for our people. "Moreover, we have the Pak-China Hospital in Gwadar, which provides facilities comparable to those at Aga Khan Hospital. This is a crucial development for Gwadar and the entire Makran region, as residents previously had to spend substantial amounts to access such care. Now, individuals from places like Pasni, Jiwani, Pishkan, and Ganz can receive advanced treatment and medications at no cost, including surgeries when necessary. "In addition, a school has been established with Chinese support in a particularly underprivileged community of Gwadar, where children receive free education. This is a remarkable initiative that brings hope for a brighter future for these children."
By Rashid Haider
