Gwadar: Once Pakistan’s Hope, Now a Burden Amid Economic Struggles

Gwadar has now become a significant challenge for Pakistan, a country that once deemed it crucial for its economic success. Climate change is a phenomenon the citizens of this coastal city were oblivious too, but they have now begun to experience it. The city in concern was subjected to a 30-hour bout of rain that severely washed away roads, bridges, and communication infrastructure. This downpour singlehandedly cut Gwadar off from the rest of Pakistan, making it impossible for civilians to traverse. Along with the torrential weather, massive potholes were formed which extensively worsened the daily lives of the civilians in the city.

According to various estimates, the city of Gwadar in Balochistan is under the climate change threat and is in dire need of assistance. This down trodden region is inflicted by hostility and has become increasingly difficult to survive in.  

Pakistan has made a significant investment in trying to capitalize on the deep sea port located in the southwest, but as voiced by America, it continues to struggle with harvesting the opportunities presented to them.

AP reports convey the danger Ahmed is associating with his warning regarding Gwadar. AP quoted Pazeer Ahmed stating that, “It’s no less than an island nation situation,” adding, “Many low-lying areas in the town will be partially or completely submerged if the sea level continues to rise.” 

Both the Arabian Sea and the deep water have acted as a double edged sword for the local tourism and fishing economy of Gwadar. Report further explains how per ocean temperature increases, so do the size and strength of the waves. Prolonged summer monsoons are also aggravating the situation. Also, warmer air can have a “moisture retention” effect—7 percent for each degree Celsius increases—leading to an increase in severe rainfall events, the report further stated.