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Gwadar, close to the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf , is located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan. It is strategically located between three increasingly important regions of the world: the oil-rich Middle East, heavily populated South Asia and the economically emerging and resource-rich Central Asia.
The Makran region surrounding Gwadar was occupied by unknown Bronze age people who settled in the few oases. It later became the Gedrosia region of the Achaemenid Persian empire. The region is believed to have been conquered by the founder of the Persian empire, Cyrus the Great.
The capital of the satrapy of Gedrosia was Pura, thought to have been located near modern Bampûr, in Iranian Balochistan. During the homeward march of Alexander the Great, his admiral Nearchus led a fleet along the modern Makran coast and recorded that the area was dry and mountainous, inhabited by the Ichthyophagoi or Fish eaters – a Greek rendering of the ancient Persian phrase Mahi khoran, which has become the modern word Makran. Gwadar’s location and history have given it a unique blend of inhabitants.
The Arab influence on Gwadar is strong due to Omani rule and the close proximity of Arab regions. The presence of the Omani slave trade is felt in the town with people descended from African slaves who passed through the town. The area also has remarkable religious diversity, being home to Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Parsis.
After the collapse of Alexander’s empire, the area was ruled by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander’s generals, but the region came under local rule about 303 BC. For several centuries, the region remained on the sidelines of history, until the Muslim Arab army under Muhammad bin Qasim captured the town of Gwadar in 711 AD. In the following centuries the area was contested between various powers including the Mughals and the Safavids.
Portuguese explorers captured and sacked Gwadar in the late 16th century. This was followed by centuries of local rule by various Baloch tribes. In 1783 the Khan of Kalat granted Gwadar to Taimur Sultan, the defeated ruler of Muscat. When Taimur recaptured Muscat, he continued to rule Gwadar by appointing a wali or governor.
The new governor was ordered to conquer the nearby coastal town of Chah Bahar (in modern Iran). Gwadar fort was built during Omani rule, whilst telegraph lines were extended into Gwadar courtesy of the British. In 1958, the Gwadar enclave was transferred to Pakistan after Pakistan paid £3 million and it was made part of Balochistan province.
In 2002, Gwadar Port project to build a large deep-sea port was begun in the town. The government of Pakistan intends to develop the entire area in order to reduce reliance on Karachi for shipping. In addition to expanding port facilities, the project aims to build industrial complexes in the area, and to connect the town via a modern highway to the rest of Pakistan. The People’s Republic of China is providing help on the project, and the first phase was completed by the end of 2004.
Gawadar is linked by road with 700 km Makran Coastal Highway. The road links Karachi with several ports along the coast including Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar and will be extended to the Iranian border in the future. The other highway is Gwadar-Quetta-Chaman and a roadlink to the town of Khuzdar in eastern Balochistan.
The construction of the Gwadar deep-sea port is just one component of a larger development plan which includes building a network of roads connecting Gwadar with the rest of Pakistan, such as the 650 km Coastal Highway to Karachi and the Gwadar-Turbat road (188 km).
This network of roads connects with China through the Indus Highway. Pakistan, China, Kazakhistan, Kyrgizstan and Uzbekistan are developing extensive road and rail links from Central Asia and the Chinese province of Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea coast.
The significance of Gwadar is great to both Pakistan and China. Pakistan will be able to have a strategic depth southwest from its naval base in Karachi that has long been vulnerable to blockade by the Indian Navy. There have been many reports that China, with permission from Pakistan, will also be able to dock naval ships in or around Gwadar. Port of Singapore has taken control of Gwadar Port in January 2007.
Gwadar, with its sun-kissed shores and bustling streets, is not just a modern marvel; it is a living chronicle of ages past. Embark on a journey through time as we peel back the layers of history that have sculpted Gwadar into the dynamic city it stands as today.
Gwadar’s history is not a distant tale but a living narrative etched into the very fabric of its existence. As you explore the historical tapestry of Gwadar, envision the threads of the past weaving seamlessly into the vibrant present, where the echoes of ancient trade routes harmonize with the aspirations of a city poised for a future as bright as its storied past.
Gwadar, with its strategic location along the southwestern coast of Pakistan, emerges as a linchpin in the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics, particularly as the cornerstone of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The significance of Gwadar transcends national boundaries, weaving a narrative of connectivity and economic vitality on the global stage.
Gwadar, as the linchpin of the CPEC and a key port on the Arabian Sea, is not just a city on the map; it is a strategic force shaping the future of international trade and connectivity. As you explore its geopolitical significance, envision Gwadar’s role as a catalyst for a new era of economic cooperation, where nations converge, economies thrive, and global partnerships are forged.
Embark on a journey into the heart of economic opportunity as we delve into Gwadar’s transformation into an economic oasis. From the inception of the Gwadar Free Zone to the establishment of industrial zones and the visionary Gwadar Smart Port City, this section unveils the economic tapestry that positions Gwadar as a beacon for regional prosperity and sustainable growth.
Gwadar, with its economic initiatives and forward-thinking projects, is not just an oasis; it is a destination where economic dreams take flight. Whether you’re an investor seeking opportunities, an entrepreneur with a vision, or a professional looking for a dynamic career, Gwadar beckons with the promise of a brighter economic future, one built on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Prepare to be astounded as we unravel the infrastructural marvels that form the backbone of Gwadar’s ascent. From the state-of-the-art Gwadar Port to the winding thoroughfare of the Makran Coastal Highway, and the ambitious plans for the Gwadar International Airport, these transformative projects not only enhance connectivity but also solidify Gwadar’s standing as a global trade and logistics hub.
Embark on a journey of discovery as we invite you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Gwadar’s pristine landscapes, making it not just an economic hub but a true paradise waiting to be explored.
Gwadar, beyond its economic prowess, unfolds as a tourism gem, inviting you to explore its pristine beaches, awe-inspiring rock formations, and the untamed beauty of Hingol National Park. With every step, Gwadar reveals a different facet of its natural splendor, offering a retreat for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace. As you explore these enchanting destinations, you’ll discover that Gwadar is not just a city; it’s a paradise waiting to be uncovered.
Gwadar stands as a luminous beacon for investors, beckoning those in pursuit of lucrative opportunities and untapped potential. This section serves as your guide to understanding the investment landscape in Gwadar, shedding light on the favorable climate, potential sectors, and government initiatives aimed at fostering business growth. Discover why Gwadar is the destination of choice for those ready to capitalize on emerging markets.
Beyond the economic tapestry and breathtaking landscapes, Gwadar pulsates with the vibrant rhythm of its community and culture. In this section, immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Gwadar’s locals, where hospitality is an art, traditional music and dance echo through the air, and Balochi cuisine tantalizes the taste buds. Discover the essence of Gwadar’s community spirit, transforming it into not merely a destination for business but a place to call home.
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