GWADAR plays a pivotal role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is termed a game-changer that is bound to boost the national economy. Gwadar’s importance as a natural deep-sea port was realised long ago. However, rapid development in and around the port city has taken place recently, such as the highways connecting it with the rest of the country. Formal movement of cargo ships has begun lately, and it is hoped that trade will pick up soon.

Besides facilities for merchant ships, Pakistan Navy has also set up a second base, away from Karachi. Till recently the navy operated entirely from the port of Karachi. The need for expansion and dispersal of naval forces was felt a long ago, and work had also started on various projects.

Gwadar was a natural choice for the purpose. Pakistan Navy moved into Gwadar and rapidly developed it for its operations. It has now a few bases and establishments in Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan.

They have rightly named their first base there as the Jinnah Naval Base, and other establishments as PNS Akram, named after late Admiral A.R. Khan, PNS Ahsan, named after late Admiral S.M. Ahsan, and the naval air station at Turbat as PNS Siddiq, named after late Admiral H.M.S. Choudhry.

The limelight that the port city enjoys today makes me think that some esteemed people’s efforts and services have somehow remained ignored. Gwadar became a part of Pakistan in 1956 with the efforts of former prime minister Malik Feroz Khan Noon and Begum Viqarunnisa Noon. But, unfortunately, no airport, prominent building, road or park has been named after them.

It will be in the fitness of things that those who played a significant role in accession of Gwadar to Pakistan are honoured and remembered, and it can be done by naming Gwadar airport and other important places after them.

Abdul Qayum Khan
Mississauga, Canada

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2021