The deep-water port of Gwadar, nestled along the southwestern coast of Pakistan, has emerged as a pivotal juncture in the intertwining economic pursuits of China and Pakistan. 

The idea of developing Gwadar as a deep-water port dates back to the 1950s, with discussions between Pakistan and various international partners. However, it was in 2002 that China's interest in Gwadar truly catalysed its transformation. 

The port's role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, bolsters connectivity, trade diversification, and energy security for China, while also promising economic growth and development for Pakistan. Its pivotal role in CPEC underscores the deep economic and geopolitical interdependence between the two nations. 

It is a vital passage for global energy supplies that has drawn the attention of China and Pakistan. The port provides a shorter and more secure route for China's energy imports, bypassing the longer and riskier voyage through the Strait of Malacca.  As the world's largest energy consumer, China's energy security is of paramount importance. Gwadar contributes to China's efforts to ensure a stable energy supply for its rapidly growing economy.

It is the cornerstone of the CPEC, a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC aims to connect Gwadar Port with China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region through a network of infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and pipelines.

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The recently built Gawadar Airport presents the vision behind it. A $230mn airport is a flagship project of CPEC. It is the second-largest airport in Pakistan. The construction of this airport shows the seriousness and geo-strategic importance of Gawadar, which both sides acknowledge.

The recent attack on Chinese engineers is a prime example of it. There is a pre-planned campaign going on to destroy the brotherly bond between Pakistan and China and ultimately sabotage CPEC  

Gwadar Port offers China an alternative route for its trade activities. The port's development facilitates trade between China, Pakistan, and the Middle East, allowing China to diversify its trade routes and deliver goods in shorter periods of time than maritime passages. Moreover, Gwadar's strategic location presents opportunities for transshipment, boosting regional trade volumes.

Gwadar Port has the potential to transform Pakistan's economy by creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and promoting trade. The development of associated infrastructure, such as roads and railways, improves Pakistan's connectivity internally and with neighbouring countries. This could lead to economic growth and development, particularly in less-developed regions of the country.

Enhancement of Pakistan’s maritime influence in the region is high on the agenda and is a primary focus. 

Despite its potential benefits, the Gwadar Port project faces challenges such as security concerns due to its proximity to conflict-prone areas, questions about the equitable distribution of economic benefits, and outside involvement in Baluchistan to destabilize Pakistan and make sure that CPEC is hindered. 

The recent attack on Chinese engineers is a prime example of it. There is a pre-planned campaign going on to destroy the brotherly bond between Pakistan and China and ultimately sabotage CPEC. 

One thing was commendable though, the response by the people of Pakistan. Every aspect of life condemned the attack and questioned the authorities on the incident. Pakistani people want Chinese workers working here to be safe and enjoy the hospitality of Pakistan. This is what the Chinese have achieved, support from the masses. This is the victory of China and a true example of a strong friendship that is deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas.

READ MORE: CPEC testimony to Pakistan's inherent friendship with China   

Ensuring that local communities benefit from the project's development is crucial for its long-term success. Gwadar's development has the potential to uplift the local population by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth. However, careful planning is required to ensure that the benefits are distributed equitably among the local communities, avoiding marginalization and dislocation. 

Gwadar Port holds immense significance for both China and Pakistan, shaping their economic, geopolitical, and strategic interests. Its journey from a quaint fishing village to a bustling port city embodies the shared aspirations of China and Pakistan. 

As Gwadar continues to develop, careful navigation of challenges and concerns will be essential to unlock its full potential while ensuring that the benefits are shared by all stakeholders. The saga of Gwadar serves as a testament to how strategic partnerships can shape the course of regional and global dynamics. As Gwadar continues to evolve, it remains a focal point of regional and global dynamics, with the potential to reshape trade routes and power dynamics in the broader region.

The author is Editor-In-Chief of Pakistan Economic Net, Daily Ittehad Media Group, and Vice President & Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE).