The port city of Gwadar, a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has become a focal point of polarizing narratives. Recently, alarmist narratives have emerged claiming that local discontent and suspicions of Beijing’s intentions are jeopardizing the city’s future. Such claims are not only reductive but fail to recognize the broader picture of progress, cooperation and opportunity that Gwadar represents.
The recent wave of criticism paints an incomplete picture, rooted more in alarmist rhetoric than in facts. To equate Gwadar’s challenges with failure undermines the very real progress being made and disregards the deep partnership between Pakistan and China that continues to drive this vision forward.
The transformation of Gwadar is already visible. Once a neglected fishing village, the city is now home to a modern deep-sea port, free trade zones, and the New Gwadar International Airport. These are not just symbolic achievements—they represent practical investments that position Pakistan as a pivotal player in global trade. According to the Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar’s annual trade volume grew by 15% in 2023, owing to the operationalization of its deep-sea port and the establishment of the New Gwadar International Airport.
Critics often claim these projects benefit only China, ignoring the fact that Pakistan retains 91% of the port’s revenue under a fair profit-sharing model. Furthermore, the New Gwadar International Airport—fully funded by China—can process up to 30,000 tons of cargo annually. This positions Pakistan as a trade hub connecting markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, according to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPECA).
Concerns about local exclusion in Gwadar’s development fail to reflect the comprehensive initiatives aimed at empowering the region’s population. For instance, the Gwadar Technical Training Institute (GTTI), established under CPEC, has been instrumental in equipping locals with skills in areas such as port management, logistics, and heavy machinery operations. Additionally, vocational programs in industries like fisheries, construction, and hospitality have provided thousands of residents with opportunities to secure stable employment.
According to the 2023 CPEC Project Report, over 12,000 residents of Gwadar have been employed in various CPEC projects. Many of these individuals gained their expertise through tailored training centers established specifically to meet the demands of emerging industries. These initiatives not only offer immediate economic relief but also pave the way for long-term community development by fostering skills that align with Gwadar’s evolving economic landscape.
Moreover, these projects have brought social empowerment to a region once plagued by neglect. By integrating local communities into Gwadar’s evolving economic ecosystem, the city’s development narrative is shifting toward inclusivity.
Another persistent narrative is that Gwadar’s development has fueled insecurity and terrorism. While security challenges exist, they are neither unique to Gwadar nor insurmountable. Pakistan and China have taken proactive measures, including the establishment of the Gwadar Security Division, a specialized unit tasked with protecting workers and infrastructure. Efforts to engage local communities in countering extremism are also underway, reflecting an understanding that sustainable security requires collaboration and trust.
The portrayal of China as a solely self-serving partner in Gwadar simplifies a far more nuanced and collaborative relationship. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which CPEC is a cornerstone, is built on the principle of mutual benefit. Agreements governing China’s investments ensure Pakistan retains ownership of key assets while reaping long-term economic benefits. Critics conveniently overlook these facts, choosing instead to perpetuate a narrative of exploitation.
The grievances in Gwadar, often sensationalized, are not ignored but addressed with tangible actions. Water and power shortages, long-standing issues in the region, are being resolved through initiatives like desalination plants and the 300 MW coal-fired Gwadar Power Plant. Investments in healthcare and education, including hospitals and schools funded by China, demonstrate a holistic approach to development that prioritizes human welfare alongside economic growth.
China’s role in Gwadar’s transformation is often misrepresented as one-sided, but the reality tells a different story. As a long-standing and trusted partner, China has demonstrated its commitment to Pakistan’s prosperity by investing not just in projects with immediate returns but in initiatives with long-term benefits for the people of Balochistan. This partnership reflects the principles of mutual respect, shared growth, and strategic cooperation that define the China-Pakistan relationship.
The broader significance of Gwadar extends far beyond its economic potential. It represents a new narrative for Pakistan—one of resilience, ambition, and regional leadership. For decades, Balochistan symbolized neglect and underdevelopment; today, Gwadar challenges that legacy by offering hope and opportunity. Its strategic location and modern facilities position it as a gateway for trade and connectivity, not only for Pakistan but for the entire region, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
While challenges remain, they are surmountable, particularly when viewed through the lens of Pakistan and China’s shared commitment to progress. However, the transformation of Gwadar is not a venture for two nations alone. Its success depends on fostering a broader spirit of international collaboration. The opportunities Gwadar presents—for investment, trade, and economic growth—are vast and can benefit not only Pakistan but the entire global community.
By inviting other countries to participate in Gwadar’s growth, Pakistan offers a platform for shared prosperity and regional stability. Whether through investments in infrastructure, trade partnerships, or joint ventures in emerging industries, the world has much to gain from Gwadar’s development. International collaboration can amplify the city’s potential, ensuring its transformation into a beacon of economic connectivity and a model for sustainable development.
Gwadar stands as a testament to what is possible when strategic partnerships are driven by trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. It is an invitation to the global community to join in shaping a more connected and prosperous world, starting from this vital port city on the Arabian Sea.
