rvikz you could give some very good ideas to Tom Clancy
I even put a NASA space photograph of Gwadar at the Image Gallery at
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/Forum26/HTML/002870.html
rvikz, why is that whenever you Indians hear about the growth of Pakistani power in the region, the word choked comes to mind? You shouldn’t feel so throttled by Pakistan and Great China.
I also posted an image of the Bombay, India coastline
http://www3.pak.org/gupshup/Forum26/HTML/002870.html
notice the stark differences between Gwadar and Bombay coastlines.
yes alizadeh i can see people sleeping peacefully in the streets of bombay
no mallik i feel little scared want to bury may head in the sand
yes alizadeh i can see people sleeping peacefully in the streets of bombay
Jealousy has no limits I see? Wants wrong run out of cut and pastes to do down Pakistan and China's unique friendship?
Gwadar: Potential and Constraints
From Baluchistan District Database
A new project of the provincial Government of Baluchistan
Gwadar, the coastal district of Makran division, has the smallest geographical area and population among the three districts of the division. Its population density and its male/female ratio is also lower than the ones of the other two districts, i.e., Kech and Panjgur. The problem of either unavailability or inconsistency of data do exist in Gwadar. E.g. in the 1981 census housing characteristics are unavailable for the rural areas. Girls were under-represented in the age group from 5 to 20 years, which shows, that the enumerators have not been able to get to the real picture. Since 1981 there has been no population census conducted anyway. Data on agriculture and livestock lack internal consistency. Livestock data received from the District Livestock department at the time of the 1996 livestock census in some districts differ completely from those which have been calculated through a recent livestock mission sponsored by the P&DD. According to local sources of information, fisheries related figures are also doubtful. The land settlement has not yet been completed resulting in disputes over land ownership. Even recently established HMIS data seems to differ from the reality, as was the case with the number of female doctors. Under these circumstances development planning seems a hard task. It is obvious, that data collection has to be improved at “entrance”, i.e. on district level or below. Development planning will benefit from reliable data, which may be collected, processed, aggregated and analysed at the lowest possible level, i.e. on district level or even lower. At this moment, however there is no adequate infrastructure available for such exercise at the lower levels of government and below.
The role of “below” government level is unclear at the moment. The traditional forms of organisation within Gwadar have been fading away without new ones being established yet. Society goes currently through a transition period from traditional forms of organisation into forms of organisation, that are related to government, e.g. like the Water management Associations or the Village Education Committees. The process of transition is not yet analysed and the lack of clear definition of responsibilities of the various actors in the development process leads to un-clarity and lack of initiative.
The role of local government institutions is limited in development planning although many of the local councils in Gwadar district are performing well. The fisheries-based economy has led many of the Gwadar local councils towards financial self-reliance. The fiscal balance of the district is appreciable as the district earns about one third (33.3%) of its expenditure through revenues and 14.1 percent of the total budget is spent on development activities. The situation may improve if the local councils are given more financial autonomy. Currently development planning is mainly done from federal or provincial level down, without much involvement of the lower levels of government. Implementation of development activities is mainly done through the line departments. On district level, the Deputy Commissioner may play an active role.
Gwadar district still has lot of potential for fisheries development. A potential of at least 70,000 tonnes of fish is not yet caught on annual basis. Besides a lot of fish is caught by others, not residing in Gwadar, and therefore not processed and marketed from there. Gwadar actually misses the income from it. More viable legislation and strict implementation of the law is necessary to protect the interest of local fishermen. Fish processing and packing are most needed and feasible projects which can be started here. Regular electricity supply can facilitate such industry in Gwadar. Another area of small enterprise development is of net and boat-making. At present nets are either imported from abroad or manufactured at Karachi. Their cost is beyond affordability of the local fishermen. Boat-making is a local craft, but these craftsmen do not have capital to start their own production. In order to develop these sectors provision of capital financing and of infrastructure, including electricity and roads, are two major development issues.
The potential for Gwadar to become a deep sea port may not only allow the local fisherman to export their catch directly and, consequently, can earn more money, but, if materialised, it may function as a trade link with other parts of Balochistan, or even with other Central Asian states.
Fisheries is the major economic sector, in which the majority of the population is involved. According to the official figures per capita fish catch value was Rs. 6,390 per annum in 1995. With the agricultural income per capita of about Rs. 2,300 and the one of livestock of about Rs. 800 per capita, the per capita income from these three productive sectors is Rs. 9,490.
Agriculture is a relatively less emphasised economic sector in Gwadar as less than 0.2 percent of the total geographical area is under cultivation, which produces only 3.4 percent of the total divisional agricultural produce. Agricultural development can be promoted by introducing new crops, like oil seeds, which can grow on brackish water. The horticultural sector can also be developed by motivating people to plant more coconuts, guavas and mangoes, etc. There is a need for provision of physical as well as technical inputs to motivate the potential farmers. As the fishing activities are either halted or slowed down from May to September, agriculture can be a suitable alternative for the fishermen. In this regard the role of the Agriculture Department has to be made more effective and supportive.
Gwadar has little potential for livestock development. The livestock unit density and per capita livestock unit ratio of the district, is low in comparison to Balochistan, it is the highest in comparison to the division. Livestock raising is not at par with the other parts of Balochistan. Livestock farming may be a supplementary source of income but the main sources remain fishing and agriculture.
Gwadar has potential for industrial development as the proposal of becoming a deep-sea port has been analysed to be economically viable. The related proposed road network may improve the currently poor linkages with the hinterland and may make Gwadar a trade centre.
The district has the capability to provide logistics to the whole division through its sea route. It can also absorb the unemployed population from within the division, if industrial development is addressed towards this proposed deep-sea port area. The area can be connected to Karachi and other ports in the region through the sea route and delivery of finished goods to the markets can be facilitated.
Fisheries related industries, like boat making, net making, fish processing and fish packing, have an ample chance to grow. Similarly, tourism can be another potential sector to be developed as the vast coastal line can serve as tourist resort. The needed action is the provision of necessary infrastructure, specially regular electricity supply and financial support.
In Gwadar women seem to be comparatively rather independent economically, but that does not mean that they have equal opportunities. E.g. in small business there are no credit facilities available to women. Their role in e.g. trades like handicrafts and net making is not acknowledged. Men and women remain poles apart, despite the sharing of responsibilities. As unpaid labour of women is common, it goes unacknowledged. This invisibility is a constraint, which needs to be highlighted.
Gwadar is the only district in Balochistan, where whole the population is claimed to have access to safe drinking water through the water supply schemes. However there is a need for more careful estimates about population coverage, as contrary to the claims, people of some areas do not have access to safe drinking water at all.
Although Gwadar has the lowest number of people per hospital bed and the highest health expenditure by the government per capita among the three districts of Makran, there was - at the time of the field visit - not one single Lady Medical Officer in the whole district and the male/female ratio among paramedical staff is among the highest as well in the province. The district headquarters hospital is an example of neglecting behaviour. Many posts of specialists are vacant and the specialists, who have been posted here, do not like to stay in Gwadar. The people are being kept deprived of modern dental treatment without any significant reason, while equipment have been provided long ago. The centralised system of medicine procurement has been proved useless as it cannot serve the area-specific needs.
The girls’ pupil-teacher ratio at primary level needs attention of the educational planners to bring Gwadar at par with the divisional level. Girls within the district do not have equal educational opportunities, in particular in reference to the girls/teachers ratio, which is among the highest in the province. In 1996, the enrolment ratio for girl students at primary level was 26.2 percent, which dropped to 18.8 percent at middle, 13.3 percent at high, and to 12 percent at the college level. There is only one girls’ high school in the whole district, which is without electricity and science teacher. The girls college has no staff and no building. Without female education, it may not be possible to locate local female health or education professionals.
In reference to environmental issues the Sand Dune Stabilisation project, or anything alike to plant trees, needs to be encouraged. Salt-resistant trees may be emphasised for economic reasons as well as to prevent wind-erosion. In more urban areas the under-development of sewerage and solid waste disposal need to be addressed.
Here’s some more on the potential of Gwadur.
http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/
‘Gwadar Port project feasible’
Chinese Communication Minister Huang Zhendonbg on Tuesday said the Gwadar Port project is feasible and can open up the Makran Coast for commercial, industrial and tourist activity. The Chinese minister called on Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz here and discussed the overall economic cooperation and specific projects being undertaken by the government of Pakistan as part of its overall development programme.
The Chinese minister’s visit was a follow up to the Chinese prime minister’s visit to Pakistan after which the action on agreements reached between that visit had been continuing at a very brisk pace. Shaukat Aziz explained the strategic importance of Gwadar Port as well as the need to develop Balochistan, which has a high incidence of poverty and needs to build its basic infrastructure.
The minister explained the government is considering extending the Gwadar Airport to allow for jet flights, which will open it for trade and tourism and link it to the rest of the country and the Middle East.
The Balochistan government is preparing a Master Plan for Gwadar City so that the area can be developed in an organised manner. The minister appreciated the close and long standing friendly ties between China and Pakistan.
Shaukat also explained the structural reforms initiated by the government aimed at increasing growth and building infrastructure. The Chinese minister appreciated the Reforms Agenda of the government of Pakistan and expressed China’s support in helping Pakistan to develop its infrastructure so that its economic potential could be fully realised. The two ministers had detailed discussions on financing several development projects.
Shaukat also explained the public sector programme of the government. The Chinese minister was accompanied by Chinese ambassador in Pakistan, representatives of the Export Import Bank, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation and officials of several Chinese construction and engineering companies. Shaukat Aziz was accompanied by Minister for Communications Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf, Secretaries Planning and Communications, and other senior officials.
[This message has been edited by Malik73 (edited June 13, 2001).]
[quote]
Originally posted by rvikz:
so you are going to choke the oil supply to the world-- mallik you are a good fiction writer
[/quote]
No,, not the world but certainly to India.
Unless ofcourse like every thing else India is the world in Indian text books.
PS: India has only two oil tankers shuttling back and forth between Gulf states and Indian ports.
More News http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jun2001-daily/18-06-2001/main/main10.htm
Gwadar port to be completed in two phases: Ashraf Qazi
GWADAR: Minister for Communications and Railways Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi on Sunday said the gigantic project of Gwadar deep-seaport would be completed in two phases at a cost of $1.419 billion. The minister, accompanied by Chinese Communications Minister Huang Zhendong, stated this during a visit to the site. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Lu Shu Lin, Federal Secretary for Communications Iftikhar Rashid, Chinese experts and the senior’s officers of the Ministry of Communications were also present on the occasion. Admiral GZ Malik gave a detailed briefing about the project.
During his visit to Gwadar Port, Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi said Pak-China friendship is time-tested and this relationship will further strengthen with the passage of time. China is already cooperating in communications projects with Pakistan, he said and added ports play vital role in economic development.
That is why, keeping in view the economic and strategic requirements, the present leadership of Pakistan desires development and extension of Gwadar Port on priority basis, the minister observed. Expressing satisfaction, he said China is extending all possible cooperation to complete this project. He said the project will not only gear up pace of economic development but also the friendly countries will be benefited. Gwadar will be connected by rail at Dalbandin via Panjgoor that will cost about US $142 million, he maintained.
Chinese Communications Minister Huang Zhendong said Pak-China friendship is exemplary and that mutual cooperation will further promote in the days to come. He said China will continue cooperation in communications projects with Pakistan. Development and extension of Gwadar Port Project enjoys vital significance with regard to economic development of Pakistan, he said and added China will extend all possible help to complete Gwadar Port Project.
Giving details of the project, DG Port and Shipping Admiral GZ Malik said Gwadar Port Project will fulfil internal requirements of Pakistan and that China, Central Asian States and Afghanistan could also benefit from it. He said that presently Pakistan’s Marine trade activities were carried out through Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
Keeping in view the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, he said a plan for its development has been prepared and its realisation will start trade activity in Gwadar. He said Gwadar could be linked with Iran, Afghanistan and China by road. He said there is a proposal to link Gwadar Port with Indus Highway at Ratodero that will facilitate trade transportation with China, Central Asian States and Afghanistan.
Keeping in view the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, he said a plan for its development has been prepared and its realisation will start trade activity in Gwadar. He said Gwadar could be linked with Iran, Afghanistan and China by road. He said there is a proposal to link Gwadar Port with Indus Highway at Ratodero that will facilitate trade transportation with China, Central Asian States and Afghanistan.
If this does become reality as now seems likely than Pakistan will very much become the trade Nexus of Asia. Pakistan through ports like Gwadur will command a road, rail and port network that will link Great China, Central Asia, Iran and the Middle East. We are well on our way to becoming a true regional power.
Gwadar is teh choking point and India must be worried very worried. Real below:-
China’s Opening to the Gulf
The PRC is looking to use Gwadar in Pakistan as an outlet to the Gulf
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has always felt hemmed in. On its eastern seaboard a powerful naval alliance comprising the United States and Japan keeps China from bullying weaker states like Taiwan and the Philippines. The Vietnamese are another irritant to the powerful PRC. The Chinese Navy is under constant surveillance by the US Navy and cannot operate freely or with any degree of surreptitiousness. Thus, the PRC cannot have an unfettered run of the Far East. Despite all this, the PRC has emerged as the dominant power in that region - a power and a influence that even the US must respect while making policy. The PRC is, however, not satisfied and seeks world power status. Its immediate target is complete dominance of Asia. For this to happen, the PRC must get out of the naval stranglehold imposed by the US Pacific Command.
One major problem for the Chinese navy is the Straits of Malacca, which for all practical purposes is controlled by the US Navy, which in the event of a crisis can completely choke all shipping, including naval, through this point. China has consequently been trying to force a way out into the Indian Ocean through Myanmar. It has built a strategic highway from Myanmar to south western China and has helped develop deep sea facilities in Myanmarese ports. If China has not so far placed naval assets at these ports, it is because lots of work remains to be done and the Myanmar junta for all its faults will not allow Chinese military presence on its soil. Now the Chinese might have found another more useful outlet to the Indian Ocean.
Writing in The Washington Times, David R. Sands says that China has clinched a deal to develop a major deep-sea commercial port in western Pakistan, giving Beijing a potential staging ground to exert influence along some of the world´s busiest shipping lanes flowing into and out of the Persian Gulf…China has clashed repeatedly with the United States over Taiwan and with Southeast Asian nations over territorial claims in the South China Sea. In addition, Beijing has recently been courting dissident elements in Indonesia and island governments throughout the South Pacific, a direct challenge to the long-standing U.S. and Australian naval presence in the area. The Gwadar deal was formally announced during an extremely cordial four-day visit earlier this month by Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji to Pakistan, a visit that produced a number of bilateral deals to increase cooperation in trade, rail transport and tourism. Pakistani Chief Executive Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in an October 1999 coup condemned by the United States, said: “I am confident that [the Zhu visit] will send out a strong signal to everyone of the continuing strength and durability of the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and China.”
India too stands to lose a lot if Gwadar does become a shared naval asset. It would not only provide Pakistan naval ships an alternative base further away from India but it would also give it the ability to interdict the vital sea lanes leading to the Gulf. This is a disturbing development which directly threatens India’s vital interests. It would also be worthwhile to note that China is actively cultivating Iran with missile (and possible nuclear) technology. Gwadar thus could just be one facet of a larger Chinese plan for long term influence in the Gulf. http://www.subcontinent.com/sapra/updates.html