Gwadar Port

INTRODUCTION

1. Geographical environment is considered as one of the important factors influencing the development of human society. The most critical element of the environment is the sea, which occupies almost three-quarters of the surface of earth. Approximately 70% of the world’s population dwells within 100 miles of a coastline. The seas are thus great highways that provide vital strategic access to the centres of populace and to governments. Historically civilizations have emerged and developed on shores of the seas and oceans. From times immemorial, sea-faring nations have always been prosperous and economically stronger than others.
2. Pakistan is blessed with sea frontage of 1,046 Kms   stretching to the West and Southeast axis. About 36,000 ships transit through our area of interest each year. A number of potential port sites exist along our coast, out of which so far Karachi and Port Qasim have been developed as full-fledged commercial ports, whereas Ormara is being developed as second naval base. Very recently the government decided to develop Gwadar as a new port with the help of China, which is of great importance not only for Pakistan but for the entire region.
AIM
3. To analyse the economic potentials of Gwadar port in the light of its geopolitical importance and exploitation of the economic resources of the neighboring countries especially the Central Asian States.
PART 1
BACKGROUND AND PRESENT STATUS OF GWADAR PORT
Selection of Gwadar as an Additional Port
4. Pakistan has presently two commercial ports of Karachi and Bin Qasim. Our total annual trade is about 38 million tons out of which 95% takes place through sea. Karachi port is handling 68% whereas Port Qasim takes care of 32% of the sea borne trade. The projected rise in total trade by the year 2015 is 91 million tons. This will increase shipping activity phenomenally at the existing ports .
5. After years of painstaking deliberation at higher level and groundwork, Gwadar was...