The Majestic Makran Coastal Highway: Pakistan's Coastal Gem

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [haan]
• Noنہیں
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [baraah 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؟
  [theek hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟
  [kya aap angrezi boltay hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آرہا
  [mujhe samajh nahi araha]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دیکھنا چاہتا ہوں
  [baraah karam menu dekhna chata hoon]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [mein gosht nahi khata]
• Cheers!خوش رہیں!
  [khush rahain]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں
  [baraah karam ada karna chata hoon]

• Help!مدد کریں!
  [madad karein]
• Go away!دور ہو جاؤ!
  [door ho jao]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [police ko bulao]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [doctor ko bulao]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہو گیا ہوں
  [mein gum ho gaya hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [mein bemar hoon]

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

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [waqt kya hua hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [aik baje hain]
• Half past (10)(10) کو ایک نصف ہوں
  [(10) ko ek nisf hoon]
• Morningصبح
  [subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [dopahar]
• Eveningشام
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayکل
  [kal]
• Todayآج
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [kal]
• 1ایک
  [aik]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3تین
  [teen]
• 4چار
  [chaar]
• 5پانچ
  [paanch]
• 6چھ
  [chhe]
• 7سات
  [saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [aath]
• 9نو
  [no]
• 10دس
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...کہاں ہے؟
  [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 dikha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟
  [agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (سے ....)
  [aik ticket (se ....)]

The Makran Coastal Highway traces part of the ancient trade routes that once connected the civilizations of the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and Persia. Evidence suggests that traders and merchants used these coastal routes to transport goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones. The region's strategic location made it a vital part of the Silk Road network, facilitating the exchange of culture and knowledge.

In 325 BCE, Alexander the Great's fleet, led by Admiral Nearchus, navigated the Makran coast during their return journey to Babylon. The harsh and arid conditions of the Makran Desert posed significant challenges to the expedition, leading to heavy casualties among Alexander's troops. This historical event underscores the region's formidable landscape and its impact on ancient military campaigns.

The Makran region became a focal point during the early Islamic conquests in the 7th century. Under the leadership of Muhammad bin Qasim, the Umayyad Caliphate extended its reach into the Indian subcontinent. The conquest of Makran paved the way for the establishment of Islamic rule in Sindh and further inland, marking a significant cultural and religious transformation in the region.

During the 16th century, the Portuguese established a presence along the Makran coast, aiming to control the lucrative maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean. They built fortresses and engaged in naval skirmishes with local rulers. The remnants of Portuguese architecture and influence can still be seen in some coastal towns, reflecting the era's complex geopolitical dynamics.

In the 19th century, the British Empire recognized the strategic importance of the Makran coast for maritime navigation and trade. They constructed infrastructure and established ports to facilitate their colonial ambitions. The development of the coastal highway during this period laid the groundwork for modern transportation networks and connected the region more effectively with the rest of British India.

Gwadar, a key port city along the Makran Coastal Highway, has a rich history of strategic importance. Initially under Omani control, it was purchased by Pakistan in 1958. Today, Gwadar is a focal point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aiming to enhance trade and economic development between the two countries. The port's development has brought renewed attention to the Makran coast, positioning it as a crucial node in regional geopolitics.

The Makran Coastal Highway stretches along the coastline of Balochistan in Pakistan, connecting Karachi to Gwadar. The nearest major airport is Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. From Karachi, you can rent a car or hire a private taxi to travel the scenic highway. Alternatively, there are intercity buses that operate from Karachi to Gwadar, making stops at various points along the highway.

Traveling along the Makran Coastal Highway is best done by car to fully appreciate the scenic views and have the flexibility to stop at various points of interest. Car rentals are available in Karachi. Public transport options include intercity buses, which are less frequent and may not stop at all tourist sites. For local travel within towns like Gwadar, taxis and rickshaws are available.

The official currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns like Karachi and Gwadar, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling along the highway.

The Makran Coastal Highway is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid traveling at night and stay updated on local news. Some remote areas may have limited police presence, so it is best to travel in groups if possible. Be cautious in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure. Areas closer to the Iranian border should be avoided without proper guidance.

In case of an emergency, dial 15 for police assistance and 1122 for medical emergencies. Major towns along the highway like Gwadar and Ormara have medical facilities, but for serious medical emergencies, it is advisable to head to Karachi. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of local emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should cover their heads when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Assalamu Alaikum' and a handshake. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies. Don't refuse food or drink offered as hospitality; it may be considered impolite.

To experience the Makran Coastal Highway like a local, visit the small fishing villages along the coast. Engage with the local fishermen and learn about their way of life. Don't miss the natural wonders like the Hingol National Park and the Princess of Hope rock formation. Try the local seafood at roadside dhabas (eateries) for an authentic culinary experience.