The Strategic Location and Significance of Gwadar in the Former and Neo Great Game: Balochistan’s Perspective – Rizwan Baloch

Written By Rizwan Baloch

“Gwadar, a term in Balochi which means “The Gate of Wind,” is derived from the combination of two words: “Guad,” meaning wind, and “Dar,” which translates to gateway or door. Situated in an eminent geostrategic location with its warm waters and deep-sea port, Gwadar holds immense importance in the “New Great Game.” It serves as a gateway to Hormuz, a waterway of significant strategic and economic importance through which the oil-rich states of the Gulf must pass. This underscores Gwadar’s pivotal role in the economic aspirations of nations vying for prominence in the region.”

Furthermore, the term “New Great Game” signifies the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia, focusing on the energy-rich states and the strategic maneuvers of global powers to establish a stronghold or exert influence in these regions. From the perspective of Balochistan, this game may not just be about geopolitics for Pakistan; rather, it could be crucial for economic survival. However, for the Baloch nation, it represents a matter of identity and dignity, as they have inhabited the region for millennia. Gwadar’s strategic location at the intersection of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East presents what might seem like a win-win situation, and stakeholders have exaggerated its significance in the name of advancing the region through various infrastructure and energy projects, especially since the inception of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, the people of Balochistan, particularly those in Gwadar, have resisted such initiatives from the outset. They perceive these projects as the root cause of their suffering and bloodshed. Balochistan’s issues are deeply intertwined with the implementation of multidimensional projects by policymakers and authorities. Yet, they have failed to delve into the underlying reasons for opposition to these transformative initiatives and the marginalization experienced by the Baloch people, despite approving such so-called development projects.

Historical Context

Whenever one mentions the crucially important places in “The Great Game,” particularly in South Asia, Herat in Afghanistan and Gwadar in Balochistan have been considered foremost in the contest for power, albeit being opposite to each other. These vital points in the region have served as the Eastern Dyke of the “Northern Tire,” a strategy designed by the British and subsequently bolstered by the US to thwart the progression of communist Russia in the region.

What these points are to the current players such as China, Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, they were to former powers of the time like Herat, a land-based military power, and Gwadar, a maritime power. These localities were essential to many powers of the time, as Herat was important to the British, Greeks, Mongols, Russians, Persians, and Germans; similarly, Gwadar had significance for the Portuguese, Arabs, Greeks, and British, respectively.

It was assumed in the United States at the time that the Soviet forces had moved to Afghanistan in 1979 with the eventual purpose of apprehending oil from the Persian Gulf. Access to the Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea in Balochistan would have provided Russia with an opportunity to intervene in the oil flow from the aforementioned routes. However, ‘The Great Game’ is how each player strove to deceive their adversaries with the assistance of espionage, military engagements, and regional powers, respectively.

Nevertheless, the term “The Great Game” refers to the political and diplomatic skirmishes that prevailed for most of the 19th century between the Russian and British empires over Afghanistan and adjoining territories in South and Central Asia. Both empires feared each other’s expansion, resulting in an environment of skepticism and the continuous threat of war between the aforementioned empires.

Amidst all this, the people of Balochistan and Afghanistan, without even being conscious of the power struggle, have suffered. It was asserted that the ‘Anti-Zia tribesmen’ controlled the Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Additionally, although The Great Game began on 12 January 1830 when Lord Ellenborough, the president of the Board of Control for India, tasked Lord William Bentinck to establish a new route to preserve the sea trade routes of the British by preventing Russia from attaining a port on the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean, it became even more popular after the advent of the Afghan-Soviet War in 1979 and when Rudyard Kipling introduced the term in his novel entitled “Kim” in 1901, respectively.

Forgoing Projects and Marginalized Balochistan

Balochistan is rich in resources along with its geo-strategic location. Despite numerous projects underway in Balochistan, they have all failed to address the grievances of the locals. Projects like Reko-Diq, Sui, and Saindak have worsened the situation for them. Similarly, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), touted as a development project, has brought anguish, forcing nearby settlements to evacuate. Furthermore, China is using prominent regional points like Gwadar as a smokescreen to assert its dominance over both sea and land by constructing ports and bolstering land-based powers. It is also building a powerful navy and airports on man-made land masses to maintain hegemony in the region. Consequently, marginalization and brutality in Balochistan have reached alarming levels, with minimal expenditure on human capital, health, and basic facilities. The literacy rate in Balochistan is approximately fifty percent, and deaths from minor ailments are common due to the lack of medical facilities. Thousands of Balochs from all walks of life are forcibly disappeared and killed in fake encounters.

When people protest against these atrocities, enforced disappearances, and unfair resource allocation in Balochistan, they are labeled as sympathizers of terrorists by the authorities and supporters of the establishment. The recent submergence of shantytowns in Gwadar due to poorly constructed roads serves as evidence that these projects only benefit corrupt officials, while the residents suffer. Ultimately, the objective of these projects is to exploit the resources of Balochistan by financially aiding Pakistan, which is engaged in the extermination of Balochs through abductions, murders, and incarcerations.

Moreover, China and Pakistan are leveraging Gwadar Port, Reko-Diq, and other vital points to entice more countries with development projects, furthering the genocide of Balochs and undermining movements in Balochistan. Therefore, it is imperative for Baloch political factions and other oppressed nations to set aside political differences and unite to preserve their homelands, dignity, and identities.