In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” — Albert Einstein . Recent geopolitical developments in the Gulf, especially the US-led conflicts, have once again placed Gwadar in the international spotlight. This is the third time in recent history that the port city has attracted such attention, raising an old but important question: Will Pakistan be able to turn these moments into lasting strategic and economic gains or will the opportunity slip away once again?

Gwadar was acquired from Oman in 1958 by the Government of Pakistan for around USD 3 million. Since then, it has moved through several phases of planning, shifting priorities and administrative change. Historical accounts often trace the early initiative to the period of Feroz Khan Noon, while various narratives also mention facilitation by regional stakeholders, including support from His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, which helped complete the process.

Despite its clear strategic value, Gwadar’s development has been uneven. Governance gaps, policy inconsistency, shifts in priorities and regional geopolitical pressures have repeatedly slowed........

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