As I reminisce about my time in Gwadar, I am reminded of the immense potential that this coastal town holds. In 2000, I was posted to Gwadar, a small fishing village with breathtaking scenic beaches and turquoise waters. The moonlit nights were mesmerizing, with the sand particles glowing white, making the entire city visible from the raised ground of Koh e Batil. The sea waves sparkled, creating a lightening effect that was truly captivating.
The people of Gwadar were living simple lives, with a deep respect for one another. There was no concept of theft or crime, and the city was peaceful. The locals had a routine of going fishing in the morning and returning before sunset, often after spending a day or a week at sea. Fishing and fishery were the only businesses in town, and the people took great pride in their centuries-old occupation and traditions.
As I spent more time in Gwadar, I began to envision its transformation into a thriving metropolis. I would often sit on weekends on different beaches, gazing out at the sea, imagining ships loaded with containers coming and going. With time, my interest in Gwadar’s potential grew, and I started comparing it to Dubai, which was then the role model for port cities. I inadvertently started saying that Gwadar would become Dubai, given their similar geostrategic locations and potential.
After a few months, I wrote a proposed master plan for Gwadar, culminating in the sentence: “In a nutshell, Gwadar is the future of Pakistan.” As time passed, my conviction grew stronger, and I began to assert that Dubai would soon be eclipsed by Gwadar. I eventually declared that it was an affront to compare Gwadar to Dubai. In 2007, I penned two articles that crystallized my vision for the city. The first, “Gwadar: A Role Model,” posited that Gwadar had the potential to become a paradigm for the entire world. The second article, “Build Gwadar and Develop Pakistan,” was self-explanatory, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between Gwadar’s growth and Pakistan’s development.
Even today, I remain steadfast in my advocacy for Gwadar’s potential. A deeper analysis reveals that Gwadar’s 600-kilometer coastline, replete with stunning beaches, positions it to challenge any developed nation or country. I firmly believe that comparing Gwadar to any other nation or country would be a disservice.
To unlock Gwadar’s full potential, it is essential to establish seamless connectivity with regional countries. This can be achieved by developing a comprehensive network of roads, railways, and air links. By doing so, Gwadar will emerge as a vital hub for international trade and commerce.
The deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan necessitates a multifaceted approach, prioritizing dialogue and development over force. To foster a conducive environment for investment and business, it is crucial to engage the local population and people of Balochistan.
Furthermore, creating a business-friendly environment is crucial for attracting investments and fostering growth. This can be accomplished by striking a balance between work and leisure. By designating daytime hours for business activities and nighttime hours for entertainment and relaxation, we can cultivate a unique lifestyle that seamlessly blends productivity with enjoyment.
Imagine a city where entrepreneurs and business leaders engage in meaningful discussions and finalize deals during the day, then unwind and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife in the evening. This harmonious integration of work and leisure will make Gwadar an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and residents alike.
By embracing this vision, we can transform Gwadar into a thriving metropolis that offers an unparalleled quality of life – a place where people can live, work, and relax in harmony, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Arabian Sea.
However, despite its vast potential, Gwadar remains underdeveloped. Our leadership has failed to capitalize on the city’s strengths, and as a result, Gwadar has languished for decades. The reasons for this failure are complex, but it is clear that our leadership’s competency, capacity, and sincerity have been lacking.
The Gwadar port has been touted as a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, but despite two decades of hype, it remains underutilized. The lack of progress on operationalizing the port for transshipment and transit trade raises serious questions about the leadership’s ability to deliver on their promises.
The recent virtual inauguration of the Gwadar International Airport is a positive development, but it’s hard not to be skeptical given the port’s history. Will the airport suffer the same fate as the port, or will it finally unlock Gwadar’s potential? Only time will tell.
In this emerging global economic scenario, it is clear that China, USA, and Russia are emerging as economic powerhouses. Pakistan must navigate this new landscape carefully, and it is imperative that we tilt towards China, our trusted ally and most trusted friend in need, having common borders. China has the capacity and capabilities to help us develop Gwadar, and it is in our best interest to work closely with them.
The emerging scenario and peeping into the future scenario at the global level, one can very clearly predict that China is fast emerging as an economic giant.
As predicted by many analysts that it is the century of Asia. It shouldn’t be difficult to conclude that our iron clad brother and neighbour China be our right hand for our economic development. At the same time due to Pakistan geo strategic location it can be a right hand for China to have short access to world market and extend her muscle to Indian Ocean. it is a win win situation for both countries provided both country have a equitable profit share in the long run. At the same time Russia, an emerging power in Asia and CARs, ME, RCD close proximity and having abundance of natural resources shall be connected and given access for trades. The eastern neighbor, India, also emerges as a trade participant, in the present economic scenario, which shall also be analyzed.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project that has the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy. Gwadar is a critical component of CPEC and is the driving force behind the successful implementation of CPEC projects and other developmental initiatives in the country. As such, it requires utmost priority to be developed on a fast-track basis, in close collaboration with China.
In conclusion, I can only say that I had very sweet memoirs and hopes of Gwadar but the outcome had been unfulfilling. It’s primarily due to incompetency of our leadership, who lacks foresight and abilities to deliver.
The leadership shall address the deteriorating law and order situation on priority so as to attract potential national and international investors and generate economic – commercial activities by operationalizing the Port and the new Airport in Gwadar.
I am convinced that only Sino – Pak cooperation and joint working can unlock Gwadar’s full potential and create a win win situation for both countries.
Gwadar is our future, and it is imperative that we recognize its potential and work with sincerity and transparency towards its development. My motto, “Build Gwadar and Develop Pakistan,” still resonates in my mind, and I hope that one day, Gwadar will become the crown jewel of Pakistan’s economic landscape.
