From being a quiet fishing village in Makran to becoming a geopolitical asset as the flagship venture of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar has had an interesting journey through time.

A part of the Khan of Kalat’s dominion before Partition, suzerainty over the port was granted to the brother of Oman’s then-ruler, Sultan Bin Ahmed, after he had a falling out with the sultan and sought refuge in the neighbouring state.

By some accounts, the gesture was made in keeping with Baloch tradition of hospitality and offering refuge, but the warmth not reciprocated, and after becoming the ruler of Oman, the former refugee ruler refused to return Gwadar to the state of Kalat.

Read more here.

A group of fishermen congregate to discuss Gwadar’s politics at the dhoria near the main port, with the Eastbay Expressway visible in the background.—Dawn
A group of fishermen congregate to discuss Gwadar’s politics at the dhoria near the main port, with the Eastbay Expressway visible in the background.—Dawn

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