Gwadar District Profile

Gwadar is situated in the south of Pakistan along the coastal line of Arabian Sea. The distance of the city is approximately 1400 km from Islamabad and 600 km from Karachi. To the west, the district shares the international border of Pakistan with Iran. The neighbouring seaport of Chahbahar in Iran is just around the corner about 30 km away. Temperature can be as low as 10°C in winters while it can soar up to 46°C in the peak of summer season. For many years there has been no rainfall in this region.

In 1958 it became a part of Pakistan whereas earlier it had been a part of Oman. It became a district of Makran Division in 1977. Covering an area of 15,216 km² Gwadar has four tehsils: Gwadar, Jewani, Ormara and Pasni. The tehsil has 13 union councils.

The district of Gwadar has a unique amalgam of spectacular views comprising of desert terrain, hilly areas and an extended coastline. Kandasol is the biggest mountainous range to the north of Gwadar city. Koh-e-Batil secures the port area to the south and Koh-e-Mehdi borders the city to the south-east. Hills are composed of stone and sand. The stone composition on the Jewani sea shore had in-stone sea shells, indicating that perhaps at some point this part of land could have been under water. This is a query for the archaeologists to clarify.

Population of the district is estimated around 325,000. The tehsil Gwadar has a population assessed at 150,000. The local language is Balochi, although Urdu is emerging as a common language of communication in this part of Balochistan as visitors from other provinces throng the city; an indication that Gwadar is evolving as a future international port city. Punjab, Sindh and KPK have a fair representation amongst the city’s residents, who have immigrated to this part of the country in search of an unforeseen fortune in real estate. Political inclination of the local population is evenly poised between the ruling party and the several mainstream opposition parties currently positioned in the parliament.

Due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea the groundwater is highly unsuitable for drinking, agricultural or industrial use. Drinking water is not available and only bottled water is used. Water tankers cost 4000 to 28000 rupees per tanker for water needed for general use. There is hardly any vegetation visible in the area. The land is not cultivable for agricultural purposes in its present condition and due to water availability issues. A system of riverines is present in the area bringing down water from the dams up north through River Dasht, but its river tributaries have been out of use for some time now. According to an estimate the government is purchasing water for around one crore rupees daily. In sparse nearby areas where there is access to potable water, fruits such as dates and water melons, vegetables and seasonal crops such as wheat and cotton are in cultivation. This type of soil and weather are suitable for coconut plantation; of which there is no sign.

Crime rate in Gwadar is almost negligible. Due to the jirga system the people rarely seek facilitation from the formal law enforcing agencies such as the police and the judicial system. There are four police stations, one Qazi court, one sessions court and one high court bench in Gwadar. New District Courts compound is under construction.

Apart from the odd cow, camel and sheep visible on the city roads, livestock presence is insignificant. Greenery is scarce due to the barren soil. Only a few years ago the local people of Gwadar were on a low socio-economic baseline as the main occupation in the area was fishing. Earlier locals used to go to Karachi, Oman and Dubai for work. Many are still settled there for livelihood. Since the announcement of the CPEC and the start of the infrastructure construction under this project, the local population has better job opportunities and career prospects. Now the populace from nearby towns is coming to Gwadar to seek jobs and for trade. The inflow of regular visitors and support services has not only increased economic activity in the city but has created a demand for all the basic logistical and support services in and around Gwadar. The land owners, both small and big are getting a good price for their land. General prices of food and other amenities are higher than other cities as nothing is locally produced and everything comes from other places.

Offices of the local government, revenue department, health department, education department, livestock department and agricultural department are all present. Sale purchase of land is on a verbal basis with few following the formal documentation route. The behaviour of the officials of the revenue department is callous as land record and transactions are not computerized. Gwadar university is under construction while the degree college is functional. Medical services are provided through a District Headquarter Hospital and Basic Health Units. The land communication is commendable due to the extensive infrastructure of roads. The city is the focus in the region and globally, due to its critical geostrategic position.