Gwadar: The Jewel of Pakistan's Coastline

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [haan]
• Noنہیں
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [barah e karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعاف کیجیے
  [maaf kijiye]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ آپ سنے؟
  [theek hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap angrezi boltay hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [mujhe samajh nahi aya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دیکھنا چاہوں
  [barah e karam menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [mein gosht nahi khata]
• Cheers!خوش رہو!
  [khush raho]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں
  [barah e karam ada karna chahta hoon]

• Help!مدد کریں!
  [madad karein!]
• Go away!چلے جاؤ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہوگیا ہوں
  [mein gum hogaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [mein bemar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [mein khareedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [mein sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنا ہے؟
  [ye kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [ye bohot mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کرسکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap qeemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?کتنا بجا ہے؟
  [kitna baja hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجا ہے
  [aik baja hai]
• Half past (10)دس بج کر پندرہ منٹ ہوں
  [das baj kar pandrah minute hain]
• Morningصبح
  [subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [dopehar]
• Eveningشام
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayگزشتہ کل
  [guzishta kal]
• Todayآج
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [kal]
• 1ایک
  [aik]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3تین
  [teen]
• 4چار
  [chaar]
• 5پانچ
  [paanch]
• 6چھے
  [chhe]
• 7سات
  [saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [aath]
• 9نو
  [no]
• 10دس
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?کوئی/وہاں کہاں ہے؟
  [koi/wahan kahan hai?]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟
  [agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (سے ....)
  [aik ticket (se ....)]

Gwadar's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that the area was inhabited by fishing communities and small settlements. The strategic location along the Arabian Sea made it a vital spot for maritime trade routes.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese, attracted by Gwadar's strategic location, briefly controlled the area. They established a small fort, remnants of which can still be seen today. The Portuguese influence is evident in some of the architectural ruins and local folklore.

From 1783 to 1958, Gwadar was part of the Sultanate of Oman. This period saw the development of the town as a trading post and fishing hub. The Omani legacy is still visible in the cultural and architectural landscape of Gwadar.

In 1958, Gwadar was purchased by Pakistan from Oman for $3 million. This transfer marked the beginning of Gwadar's integration into Pakistan, leading to significant developmental projects aimed at transforming the town into a major port city.

With its strategic location, Gwadar has been developed into a major port under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. The Gwadar Port aims to enhance maritime trade routes and boost economic activities in the region.

Gwadar is rich in cultural diversity, influenced by its historical connections with Persia, Oman, and indigenous Baloch traditions. The local cuisine, music, and crafts reflect this blend of cultures, making Gwadar a unique melting pot of historical influences.

Gwadar is located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, Pakistan. The nearest major airport is Gwadar International Airport (GWD), which has flights connecting from Karachi, Islamabad, and other major cities in Pakistan. For international travelers, connecting flights from Dubai, Muscat, or Doha to Karachi followed by a domestic flight to Gwadar is a common route. Alternatively, you can reach Gwadar by road via the Makran Coastal Highway (N10), which offers a scenic drive along the Arabian Sea.

Local transportation in Gwadar primarily includes taxis and rickshaws, which are readily available and cost-effective. There are also some local buses, but they are less frequent. Renting a car is an option, particularly for exploring areas outside the city. However, be prepared for varying road conditions. Walking is feasible for short distances and exploring the local markets and coastal areas.

The official currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for transactions in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Gwadar, but it is prudent to carry sufficient cash, especially if you plan to travel to more remote areas.

Gwadar is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised. Avoid traveling alone at night and be aware of your surroundings in less populated areas. The neighborhoods around the port are usually safe, but some areas in the outskirts may have higher crime rates. It is best to stay updated on local news and heed any travel advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for police assistance, 16 for ambulance services, and 1122 for general emergency services. Gwadar has a few medical facilities and pharmacies where you can receive basic medical care. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It is important to be respectful when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, but note that physical contact between genders can be sensitive. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gwadar like a local, visit the fish market early in the morning to see the daily catch and interact with local fishermen. Enjoy a seafood meal at one of the local eateries by the port. Take a stroll along the Gwadar beach and interact with the locals, who are generally friendly and welcoming. Don’t miss visiting the Hammerhead Peninsula and the Gwadar Port for spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.