Gwadar Port: Growing maritime trade

Dr Lutfur Rehman COMMERCIAL activities at Gwadar Deep-Sea Port have gained momentum due to closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It has enhanced regional connectivity and maritime trade among different regions of the globe. The port developed with the Chinese help, is playing a leading role in trade and business activities. The port handled four transshipment vessels besides processing about 11,000 shipping containers last month. An international cargo vessel, MV YUAN HANG WEI YE anchored at Gwadar Port in the second week of this month. It was carrying transshipment cargo disdained for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)and Kuwait. This indicates that the port is emerging as a significant hub for regional trade. Gwadar Port is providing a secure and alternative trade route in the wake of growing uncertainty the Persian Gulf region. Despite hostile activities and propaganda by external forces, the port is smoothly handing cargo operations. Necessary facilities have been arranged for quick loading, unloading and storage. Gwadar has immense value from strategic and commercial point of view. It is the most important port after Karachiand Qasim. Gwadar Deep Sea Port is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz. It is touching the vital shipping routes in and out of the Persian Gulf. The port has connected three crucial regions, South Asia, West Asia and Central Asia. Gwadar is a Balochi word which means gateway of winds. The area was an integral part of Kalat state and the Khan of Kalat was running administration of the area through an officer known as Nazim. Gwadar also remained in possession of Oman for 174 years; 1784-1958. The then Khan of Kalat, Nasir Khan gave Gwadar to Sultan bin Aḥmad, Omani prince who took refugee in the area due to family feud. Sultan bin Aḥmad used Gwadar as springboard for his armed struggle to gain power in Oman. He succeeded in his efforts and gained power in 1792. He then annexed Gwadar. In 1863, the Khan of Kalat