AFTER handing over the operational control to a Chinese company, a lot of media hype is being created over the future utility of Gwadar as an international seaport capable of handling all kinds of ships and thus its positive impact on the economy of Pakistan.

The need for a second port further away from the Indian coast was badly felt during the 1971 war. The blockade of the only port of Karachi could have resulted in complete stoppage of fuel supplies and other essential commodities required to sustain the war effort.

Therefore, the Gwadar port was built in the 1990s to cater for its strategic needs. Also a port in Balochistan would result in an economic boost to the province. There was also a talk about providing the then newly- independent Central Asian Republics, the shortest route to the warm waters of Arabian Sea through this port. Whether we have achieved our objectives, needs to be reviewed seriously.

Gwadar port has been operational for the last 15 years but without any loading or unloading of cargo taking place. This is mainly due to two factors. For any port to be viable, it should have a good all - weather hinterland connectivity. There are, up till now, no road or rail facilities from Gwadar right up to Peshawar. There is a coastal highway linking Karachi to Gwadar. The route is not considered cost - effective if the goods have to be transported to Karachi first and then upcountry.

The law and order situation in Balochistan is another key factor hindering any kind of development.

Unless the two aforementioned issues are addressed on an emergency basis, any meaningful utility of the Gwadar port will remain elusive.

As is being reported, a Chinese firm will also invest in port infrastructure.

Provision of a peaceful environment and hinterland facilities still remain the responsibilities of the government.

CDRE( r) SAJJAD ALI SHAH BOKHARI Islamabad