by ADNAN AAMIR
The Railways Minister’s claim that Gwadar was merely bought in 1958 reignited debate over Balochistan’s rights, overlooking its historic roots in the Kalat State and the people’s ancestral connection to the land
A recent statement by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi sparked widespread backlash and reignited a long-running debate over Gwadar and its place in the larger issue of Balochistan’s grievances. In a controversial remark, Abbasi claimed that ‘Gwadar is not a property of anyone’s father or grandfather.’ He added that it was purchased by Pakistan from Oman in 1958 by paying money.
This comment drew strong reactions, particularly from voices in Balochistan. One of the most vocal responses came from former Senator Kahuda Babar, a native of Gwadar. He acknowledged that Pakistan indeed purchased Gwadar from Oman under an official agreement. However, he rejected the idea that this transaction nullifies the rights of the people of Gwadar. He stressed that Gwadar is not just a piece of land bought with money. It is deeply connected to the identity, heritage, and generations of the people who have lived there for centuries.
The exchange between Abbasi and Kahuda reflects how Gwadar has long symbolised the larger debate around Balochistan’s place within Pakistan. For many who argue that Balochistan’s grievances are real and serious, Gwadar is often cited as an example of how the province’s resources are used without local ownership or benefit. On the other hand, those who dismiss these grievances often claim that Gwadar was never historically part of Balochistan and was simply purchased by the state, implying there is no special local claim over it. But the real story behind Gwadar’s past tells a more complex and rooted history, grounded in facts and official records.
To understand that history, we need to go back to the late 18th century. According to the book Gwatar Bay to Sir Creek: The Golden Coast of Pakistan — History and Memoirs by Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Rao, Gwadar was initially part of the Kalat State, the predecessor of modern-day Balochistan. In 1778, the Khan of Kalat took control of Gwadar. Then, in 1783, an Omani prince named Sultan bin Ahmad arrived in Gwadar after a failed coup attempt in Muscat. The Khan of Kalat, Noori Naseer Khan, offered the prince refuge and allowed him to manage Gwadar. The prince was given half of the revenue from Gwadar as a maintenance allowance.
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