GAWADAR HISTORY, CPEC, TRAVEL GUIDE| All you want to know about Gawadar
Being located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and
endorsing the fluttering shore winds, Gawadar is a port city on the
southwestern coast of Balochistan, Pakistan. Gawadar is a hammered-shaped
peninsula situated at apex of Arabia sea and at the mouth of Persian gulf.
Gawadar is 460 km (290 miles) west of provincial capital of Sindh, Karachi. It
is 70 km east of Pakistan’s border from Iran and 380 km of northeast of Oman,
122 km (76 miles) from Turbat district in Baluchistan. Gawadar means “the gate
of winds”. The sea winds from Arabian
Sea touch and craft day and night to fabricate scenic landscapes at on jagged
mountains of Gawadar. Gawadar population is approx. 90,000 and the weather is warm and humid in summers.
Gawadar is a world’s natural deepest water sea port.
There is much to talk about Gawadar’s evolution which is on way from small
fishery spot to become a giant economic hub. Here we’ll tell you about the
Gawadar’s significance in CPEC (China-Pakistan economic corridor). Also how the
world’s most beautiful cricket stadium at Gawadar become challenge for ICC
(International cricket council) and for cricket venturers in the world? Why one
should prefer travelling by road from Karachi instead of plane to tour the
scenic beauty of Gawadar?
Why Oman Sell Gawadar to Pakistan?
Gawadar was a small port city near Turbat district in
Baluchistan in 1947. The port city was under the control of Oman then which is
situated at opposite shore of Gawadar. The land routes of Gawadar were however
linked to Pakistan owned Baluchistan states. It was the time when colonialism was ending and the states were reviving their new positions on the
world map. After all Baluchistan states
annexed to Pakistan during partition of 1947, the residents of Gwardar also
raised their urge to join Pakistan to get rid of 174 long Omani rule as it was
a part of Baluchistan in early 18th century.
In 1954, United States geological survey team recognized Gawadar a place
for deep water port. The survey was held on the request of Pakistan to know the
potential and strategic value of place when Pakistan was looking to purchase
the port from Oman. After 4 years of negotiation with Oman government, Pakistan
purchased Gawadar from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman for $3 million, on 7
September 1958. The accession of Gawadar was announced by Prime minister
Pakistan, Malik Feroze Khan on Radio Pakistan. There broke a jubilation in
Gawadar, Baluchistan and other parts Pakistan after the announcement.
For around 50 years, Gawadar potential value remained out
of sight until China showed interest in the construction and development of
international sea port at the place. Pakistan government started the
construction of Gawadar port in 2007 but the speed of work remained dead slow
because of lack of investment, and due to security risks for employees. China’s interest and a massive investment for
constructing Gawadar port increased the value of project. With China–Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a collection of infrastructure projects that
are under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013, Chinese overseas
department taken the Gawadar port construction in hand. Gwadar has significant place in CPEC. A link
road is almost ready between the One Belt, One Road and Maritime Silk Road
project. China has invested $1.153 billion worth of infrastructure projects in
Gawadar city including new international Gawadar airport. The roads will connect northern
Pakistan and western China to the deepwater seaport.
Why China Has A Big Interest In Gawadar?
China is a trade giant of world who export huge logistic
at every corner from many sea routes. Also sixty percent of oil comes to China
from Persian Gulf. The Chinese ships have to travels over 16,000 (9,900 miles)
distance which takes two to three months to reach the destinations. Meanwhile
many ships come across with bad weathers, pirates, political chaos and
mechanical faults. Gawadar port has reduced this long distance to about 5,000
km(3,100 miles) for Chinese trade through sea. In a way, China will be able to
increase the volume of exports and profits.
China who is also investing in Pakistan under CPEC projects has aided to
build a road from Gawadar port to provinces in western China so that China
goods can be transported to Gawadar port easily. A dry port is constructed on China-Pakistan
border. China's role in Gwadar will increase its influence in the Indian Ocean
which has an important route for oil transportation between the Atlantic and
the Pacific Oceans. Also, China will be able to bypass the Strait of Malacca to
reduce the risks of pirate attacks in Chinese seas. Many Chinese are working in Gawadar, Pakistan to make a project a real success.
Gawadar International Airport
Gawadar city has an operational International Airport to
host the guests. Gawadar airport caters both International & Domestic
flights on regular basis. There are three flights per week from Karachi. The
airport is situated 14 km north of the city and has beautiful scenery.
HOW Can I Reach Gawadar
- Take flight to Gawadar
- Take a flight to Turbat and take taxi from there
- MAKRAN-COASTAL HIGHWAY
Travelling from Karachi to Gawadar through Makran coastal highway Gwadar is no doubt a fascinating adventure trip. It’s a long trip of 630.6 km about 7 hours of travelling on a Makran coastal highway amid jagged rocks and undiscovered turquoise beaches. Don’t forget to visit at Hingol National park and stay by “Princess of Hope” and “Mud Volcanoes” in the way. It’s good to prepare for the journey well as there are fewer petrol pumps or restaurants in the long travel.
Read my friend's adventure on Makran Coastal Highway, Pakistan
Gwadar PC Hotel & Tourist Attractions
A 5-star Zaver Pearl Continental Gwadar hotel is there to
comfort its guest. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Arabian Sea from its
cliff-top position. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all its modern air-conditioned
rooms for the tourists. Pearl Continental, Gwadar is 1.2 mi from deep water sea
sports activities including many activities by Pak Navy. It is 6.2 miles from
Virgin Beach. The distance of PC Gawadar from International airport is 8.7
miles. Don’t forget to visit 19 miles away Water Sports Park. Akra Dam is 22
miles away from PC Gawadar. There are also many small restaurants and hotels to
host the guests.
Gawadar Cricket Stadium-
The things have gone beyond a just port now. Gawadar is
welcoming the tourists and locals by its development of “World’s Most Beautiful
Cricket Stadium” here. A lush green
stadium in the lap of rugged hills is ready to host international matches. A
first-ever exhibition match played between Showbiz Sharks and Gwadar Dolphins
at stadium on 19th Feb 2021. The exhibition match was organized by singer, actor
and TV presenter Fakhr-e-Alam and many renown TV and film stars were a part of
playing teams. The match was dedicated to the Pakistan's iconic mountaineer
Muhammad Ali Sadpara who died while venturing K2 few days before the match.
The pictures of match were shared on ICC (International cricket council) twitter handle. The ICC twitter handle challenged others to find a more picturesque stadium after looking at pictures of Gawadar stadium.
“Show us a more picturesque sports venue than the Gwadar cricket stadium in Balochistan. We'll wait…,” ICC tweeted.
The video showed a lush green Gawadar Stadium amid jagged mountains behind. It
just like you’re playing at any fortress. The stadium’s capacity is about
20,000 and it is accessible by a well-constructed road from city. Pakistan is
hoping to host international matches here soon.
Gawadar Place In International Politics
Many political raised questions about Gawadar’s potential
and threats to Indian influence in the region. Being traditional rival of
Pakistan, India think Gawadar can be game changer for Pakistan as it’s on way
to develop a regional and economic hub around the port. Iran is also working on
72 km away Iranian sea port Chahbahar. India has invested a large amount in Iran
to develop the Chahbahar sea port and free trade zone to tackle the
Pakistan-China influence in the area. Though Iran tells that Iran’s Chahbahar
don’t intend to vie with Pakistan’s Gawadar sea port. Many people ask is it safe to visit Gawadar? Then, Pakistan deeply understands the value of Gawadar port towards its economic growth therefore Pakistan Army and
officials are working effortlessly in growth of Gawadar and to eradicate any
security risks to projects from inside or outside the country. Gawadar and other areas of Pakistan are safe to visit after Army's successful operations against terrorists.