Gwadar History
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, staring at a vast ocean, with the cool breeze whispering tales of geopolitical chess moves. This is not just any ordinary tale but a saga of a strategic coastal city – Gwadar. The question casts a long shadow over the waters is: Who Paid For Pakistan Purchase Of Gwadar From Oman?
A riveting narrative, it’s akin to a well-executed coup in a high-stakes poker game. In 1958, the Sultan of Oman handed over the reins of Gwadar to Pakistan, a deal sealed for a princely sum of Rs. 5.5 billion. A question that tickles the curiosity and dances on the tongues of many is who footed this bill? The answer lies with Aga Khan IV, who generously opened his coffers to make this possible.
This blog post unfurls this intriguing saga, diving into the depths of this historical exchange and shedding light on the mystery surrounding Gwadar’s ownership. Prepare yourself for a journey through time as we navigate the choppy waters of this captivating story.
Let’s start with the relationship between Oman and Pakistan.
The Sultanate of Oman and Gwadar: What’s the Connection?
The Sultanate of Oman and Gwadar had a unique relationship that transcended time. Established as early as 1581, the Sultanate maintained a significant presence on the coastline of Balochistan for centuries, owing to its strategic location along major trade routes. As a result, the Sultanate had strong ties to the local population of Balochistan, and the Gwadar Port was a key trading hub for them.
In 1958, Pakistan acquired control over Gwadar from Oman, officially making it part of its territory. This move highlighted the close relationship between Oman and Pakistan. Here are a few reasons why Oman sale Gwadar to Pakistan:
1. Geographical Isolation
Situated on the southwestern coast of Balochistan, Pakistan, Gwadar was a geographical enigma for Oman. This port city was cut off from Oman by an expansive stretch of Iranian coastline, approximately 600 km in length[^2^]. Imagine trying to maintain your backyard, but it’s miles away from your house, and you’ll get a sense of the logistical conundrum faced by Oman.
Administering and safeguarding this isolated piece of land was akin to attempting to juggle flaming torches while balancing on a unicycle. In light of these challenges, selling Gwadar to its immediate neighbour, Pakistan, emerged as a pragmatic and logical resolution.
2. Costly Maintenance
The maintenance of Gwadar for Oman was a Herculean task and a financial drain. Picture owning a picturesque beach house that’s located miles away from your main residence. It might be aesthetically pleasing and possess a certain charm, but the upkeep costs can dry your finances. For Oman, Gwadar was that alluring yet financially taxing distant beach house.
3. Political Considerations
During the late 1950s, the world was deeply entrenched in the politics of the Cold War. Swaying under British influence, Oman probably deemed Pakistan, a fellow member of the British Commonwealth, a safer option than Iran. It was similar to passing a baton in a relay race to a trusted teammate who you know has got your back.
4. Economic Benefits
The sale of Gwadar was not merely a transaction; it represented an investment. The funds that Oman received from this sale were funnelled into developing its infrastructure, much like selling an old, worn-out car to fund the purchase of a new, more efficient one. Moreover, the ongoing economic ties with Pakistan have proven to be mutually advantageous, showing that the sale of Gwadar was a gift that keeps giving.
5. Strategic Foresight
Last but not least, Sultan Sa’id bin Taymur was a man of vision. He understood that selling Gwadar to Pakistan would fortify their bilateral relations, transforming a logistical hurdle into a diplomatic triumph. It was a classic case of turning lemons into lemonade, or in this context, converting a remote port into a strategic alliance.
You know what factors led Oman to transfer Gwader to Pakistan and who paid for it. Now let’s look at the person who played a key role in acquiring Gwadar.
The Dream Fulfilled: Who Paid For Pakistan Purchase Of Gwadar
No story is complete without a hero, and this tale has one, too – His Highness The Aga Khan IV. In 1958, when Pakistan acquired control over Gwadar from Oman. Aga Khan IV, also known by his regal title, Prince Shah Karim Al Husayn. More than a billionaire with an exotic name, Aga Khan IV is revered as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, tracing his ancestry directly back to Prophet Muhammad.
When it comes to financing, Aga Khan IV is no stranger to making big moves. Most of his substantial wealth springs from voluntary contributions from the global Ismaili community, demonstrating his prowess in harnessing collective resources. As the opportunity to finance a significant purchase arose, Aga Khan IV reached deep into his philanthropic reserves.
He generously provided scholarships worth $50,000, benefitting students from Pakistan and other nations. It was akin to playing a high-stakes game of Monopoly but with real-world implications and far-reaching impact.
Aga Khan IV’s financial intervention was the linchpin that brought the deal to fruition. His contribution didn’t merely facilitate the deal; it propelled it forward.
After discussing the role with Aga Khan, let’s move to the negotiation process and how it went.
The Negotiations: How Did Pakistan Acquire Gwadar?
When the time came to negotiate the deal, Feroze Khan Noon, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, went all-in. He knew Gwadar was missing in the maritime puzzle and realized its potential as a major port city. The negotiations took place between February 1958 to March 1959, with both sides seeking the most favourable outcome.
The final resolution had two key components:
- Granting Pakistan an irrevocable lease of Gwadar for a period of centuries.
- Paying a one-off sum of 3 million dollars to Oman as compensation.
This resolution had the blessing of His Majesty Sultan Sa’id bin Taymur, who was pleased with the outcomes and gave his official approval. On 8 September 1958, Pakistan officially signed the documents, paying the one-off sum of 3 million dollars to Oman.
The sale and accreditation of Gwadar was a complex undertaking that required meticulous planning and a shrewd negotiator like Feroze Khan Noon. His vision helped manifest the dream of owning one of Balochistan’s most coveted ports into reality.
Feroze Khan Noon wasn’t just a PM but a master tactician. His negotiation skills were as sharp as a samurai’s katana, slicing through the diplomatic red tape like butter. And it wasn’t a solo performance, either. His wife, Viqar-un-Nisa Noon, played a pivotal role in these negotiations. Now that’s what we call a power couple.
Negotiating the sale of Gwadar wasn’t a walk in the park. It was more like a tightrope walk over a pit of crocodiles. Disputes over border positions created a tense atmosphere akin to a nail-biting cricket match. But Noon was not deterred. He tackled each challenge with the finesse of a chess grandmaster, ultimately checkmating the opposition.
Now that you know how Pakistan acquired Gwadar, let’s conclude this article.
Final thoughts – Who Paid For Pakistan Purchase Of Gwadar From Oman?
Diving into the pages of history, one might find themselves intrigued by the financial intricacies surrounding Pakistan’s acquisition of Gwadar from Oman. It’s a question that has sparked countless debates: Who footed the bill for this monumental purchase? The answer to this question is not just a trivial pursuit, but it holds significance in understanding the economic and diplomatic ties that were at play during this pivotal transaction.
Reflecting on the importance of identifying the financier, it unravels a tapestry of geopolitical alliances and strategies. It sheds light on the power dynamics and foreign relations that were instrumental in shaping the world as we know it today. So, who paid? Well, the suspense is part of the charm, isn’t it? It’s like a thrilling novel where each page unravels a new layer of mystery.
The purchase of Gwadar by Pakistan was not just a real estate deal but a power move that significantly enhanced its geopolitical standing. This port city is now a critical node in global trade routes, making Pakistan a key player in international commerce. So, dear reader, how about you put on your detective hat and dive deeper into this historical enigma? Trust me, and it’s worth the plunge.
