Gadani

Gadani is a coastal town and port located in Lasbela District, Balochistan, Pakistan, on the Arabian Sea. The town is best known for the Gadani Ship Breaking Yard, a major facility where decommissioned ships are dismantled and scrapped. The yard has long been described as one of the world’s largest ship-breaking operations, historically ranking among the top three alongside India’s Alang and Bangladesh’s Chittagong yards.

Ship-breaking at Gadani began in the late 20th century and expanded through the 1980s and subsequent decades. The yard accommodates large vessels and supplies recovered steel and other materials to regional markets. It is a significant source of employment for many residents of Gadani and nearby communities, and it contributes to the local and national economy through scrap exports and related services.

Operations at Gadani have also been the focus of attention regarding safety and environmental practices. The yard has faced criticism for labor conditions and pollution, leading to intermittent suspensions and enhanced oversight by government authorities and regulators. In response, authorities and industry stakeholders have pursued reforms aimed at improving worker safety, waste management, and regulatory compliance, while seeking to modernize certain aspects of the operation.

Beyond the ship-breaking yard, Gadani supports coastal activity typical of a port town, including fishing and other maritime services. The area is connected by road to Karachi and other parts of the province, placing Gadani within the broader Makran coastal economy of southern Balochistan.