Gwadar - the future hub of commerce
After the division of Indian subcontinent into two sovereign states, areas, other than Gwadar and its surroundings, joined the Balochistan States Union, as part of the Makran state. In October 1955, Makran was given the status of a district of former West Pakistan province after its accession to Pakistan. In 1958, Gwadar and its surrounding area was reverted back from Muscat to Pakistan. On 1st July 1977 Makran was declared a division and was divided into three districts, named Panjgur, Turbat (renamed Kech) and Gwadar. Gwadar was notified as a district on July 1, 1977 with its head quarters at Gwadar town.

Gwadar is actually spread in the form of a hammer. The head of the hammer is actually a several kilometre-long strip of mountain known as Koh-i-Batil. This mountain is surrounded on all side by ocean except for a small strip on the northern side, the hand of the hammer, that encompasses the Gwadar town. Thus, Gwadar town is block on the south by Koh-i-Batil, on the east and west by the ocean bay (Dimi Zarr and Padi Zarr respectively), while on the north Gwadar spreads into Makran division. The most scenic site in Gwadar is Koh-i-Batil where an elite housing society by the name of Sanghaara has already been founded. A look into the name of the allotees may reveal many sacred cows of the country. Defence forces have acquired a big chunk of this mountain for strategic reason as is common in all other parts of country.

A stone-built domed shrine of some saint at Gwadar is said to be centuries old. It may be the same one indicated in the Gazetteer of Balochistan. A square fort along with a tower is present amidst the Memon Muhallah of Gwadar. It is near the old bungalow of the Assistant Political Agent to the Governor General (therefore renowned governer house). Moreover, the fort of Said Sultan is still in good condition and is being used as a police station. The African element is still very evident in this ex-Omani enclave. Within the old Arab Indian - African bazaar, there is the ancient Ismailis (Khojas) community centre, as the Ismailis played a crucial role in the history of the town and still detain a determined power in the local society.

Today Gwadar is transforming from a small coastal town to a cosmopolitan port city. Sino-Trans, a Chinese firm is working day and night to develop the multi-million dollar deep-sea-port. Agreements are being signed between Pakistan and foreign governments interested to use this strategically located port. The under-construction Makran Coastal Highway would soon connect this small coastal town of Gwadar with Karachi and Iran. There is a real estate boom in Gwadar and businessmen from all over the country, especially Karachi are seen surveying the area. Five star hotels and mega housing projects have already been planned. The locals are delighted, as they never dreamt of such returns on their barren lands.

The ocean of Gwadar is unpolluted and the beaches are green. There are a few good Government guest houses where one can stay comfortably. In the private sector, the tourism department owned Bakhshi Hotel with a sea front and Marjan Hotel on the hilltop are the only hotels that provide reasonable accommodation.