The expansion of Gwadar is central to Pakistan’s economic aspirations and China’s global trade ambitions. Gwadar’s strategic location along the Arabian Sea positions it as a potential gateway for trade routes linking China to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. With over $60 billion in planned CPEC projects, China and Pakistan envision Gwadar as a dynamic regional port city. These developments include state-of-the-art port facilities and improved road networks that facilitate efficient trade with China’s western provinces and potentially with landlocked Central Asian countries

New infrastructure is bringing more than trade; it’s creating employment opportunities and enhancing connectivity within Pakistan. Local communities have witnessed an influx of jobs, though many locals still voice concerns over whether they truly benefit from the city’s transformation. Critics argue that the gains from CPEC projects have yet to reach the broader Baloch population, who have long felt economically marginalized in Pakistan.