Gwadar’s location, far from Pakistan’s eastern borders, offers strategic advantages, minimizing security concerns and providing a stable environment for trade and investment, contributing to regional stability and prosperity. In 1947, Gwadar remained under Omani rule as Pakistan gained independence, marking the beginning of negotiations and strategic considerations for its future.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Malik Feroze Khan Noon addressed the nation on Radio Pakistan on 7 September 1958. The vision for Gwadar’s transformation began in 1954 when Pakistan collaborated with the US Geological Survey to identify its potential as a deep-sea port, laying the groundwork for future development.
Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon, along with his wife Viqar-un-Nisa Noon, undertook negotiations with the Sultan of Oman, culminating in Pakistan’s acquisition of Gwadar on 7 September 1958, marking a pivotal moment in its history. The purchase of Gwadar for USD $3 million, with significant contributions from Agha Khan IV, symbolized Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic development and economic growth. On 8 December 1958, Gwadar formally became part of Pakistan, ending 174 years of Omani rule and heralding a new era of possibilities for its strategic significance and economic potential.
