Pakistan, Sept. 4 -- Work has begun on a Rs12 billion project to modernize the Gadani shipbreaking yard, upgrading infrastructure to align the facility with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced Thursday.

Chairing a steering committee meeting to review progress on the project, Junaid Chaudhry said physical construction is underway on key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, a labor colony, a school, and solar power infrastructure. "Our objective is to transform Gadani's traditional shipbreaking practices into a modern, safe, and environmentally responsible ship-recycling industry that meets global standards," Junaid Chaudhry said, noting the yard's critica...