We have been aware of Gwadar, the seaport of Pakistan. It is situated in the Southern Balochistan of Pakistan. Most of us are not aware of the fact that Gwadar was not a part of Pakistan. The port was later merged into Pakistan on December 8th, 1958. Gwadar was bought by Oman during the rule of PM Feroz Khan Noon for a cost of 3 Million USD. The question arises that how Gwadar merged into Pakistan? Gwadar will be the future of Pakistan, and will definitely change the economic status of the country. Gwadar is a golden opportunity for the people of Pakistan and the countries that trade across the region.
History of Gwadar
Under the command of Haqim bin Amar al Taghlabi, Muslims conquered Balochistan and Makran in 644 AD. Haqim bin Amar al Taghlabi was advised by Hazrat Umar R.A that Makran should be the Southern border of the Muslim Empire. The victory was not succeeded as per the advice of Hazrat Umar R.A. In 711 AD, Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Gwadar City with the Muslim army. Centuries later, the Indian Powers and Irani powers fought for the city of Gwadar.
Taimoor Sultan of Muscat was given the command of Gwadar by the ruler of Kalat in 1783. Since then Gwadar was a part of Oman, the city was not under the rule of Khan of Kalat during the emergence of Pakistan.
Geo-Strategic Location of Gwadar
Gwadar is a word of the Balochi Language, which means ‘A Gateway of Wind’. Located on the western shore of the Arabian Sea. Situated approximately 630 km west of Karachi, strategically located opposite Oman at the apex of the Arabian Sea. The port is located 75km East of the border of Pakistan and Iran. Furthermore, the port is 380 km Northeast of the port of Oman.
How Gwadar Merged into Pakistan?
In 1947, when Pakistan emerged on the map of the World, Gwadar was under the rule of Oman. Within the few months of Independence, the Khan of Kalat decided to join Pakistan, as they had no access to a seaport. Keeping the geographic situation in mind, Kalat emerged in Pakistan. However, Gwadar was not merged into the country, as it was not under the rule of Kalat.
Within the first few days of Kalat’s inception in Pakistan, the people of Gwadar raised their voices to merge the city with Pakistan. The movement was so successful that Pakistan organized a geological survey of Gwadar in 1954. Within the first few days of Kalat’s inception in Pakistan, the people of Gwadar raised their voices to merge the city with Pakistan. The movement was so successful that Pakistan organized a geological survey of Gwadar in 1954.
Geological Survey of Gwadar in 1954
The geological survey considered Gwadar as a natural and the deepest seaport in the World. Gwadar is a blessing in disguise for Pakistan, as the port can dock the large ships directly in the dock as compared to the other ports, where smaller ships are used for transferring the goods to the port.
It is one of the most astonishing facts that the port is situated on a key route, where 20% of the World’s petroleum is traded. Keeping in view of the current situation, the PM of Pakistan decided that he should talk with the Sultan of Oman about the inception of Gwadar in Pakistan.
Extensive Talks Between Pakistan & Oman
After extensive talks for 6 months and 4 years of discussion between Pakistan and Oman, the city was formally inducted into Pakistan on September 7th, 1958. We cannot foresee the fact that the wife of PM Feroz Khan Noon, Waqar-un-Nisa Noon played an important part in the talks. Furthermore, they both had a key role in the talks with the British Parliament for the British Colony Oman.
The 7th Prime Minister of Pakistan, Feroz Khan Noon announced that the British Parliament has agreed upon the exchange of Gwadar. Pakistan purchased Gwadar from Oman for 3 Million USD, and the city was formally merged into Balochistan.
Announcement of Gwadar’s Merger into Pakistan
Commodore Muhammad Asif Alvi commanded his Naval ship to Gwadar on the order of the Pakistan Government. He secured and controlled the area as soon as they reached the city. On this auspicious occasion, PM Malik Feroz Khan Noon announced the merger of Gwadar into Pakistan, on Radio Pakistan. The message was transmitted on September 7th, 1958.
He said in his speech ‘I welcome the people of Gwadar into Pakistan and I promise them that they are given equal status as a Pakistani in the Country. Furthermore, he thanked the government of Britain for playing an anchored role in the merger of Gwadar in Pakistan. The merger had a great role on the PM and his wife Waqarun-Nisa Noon
