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Gwadar, a once-sleepy fishing town on Pakistan’s southwestern coast, is now at the heart of the country’s ambitious economic dreams. With its deep-sea port being developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar has become a symbol of progress and connectivity. But beneath the promises of prosperity, a centuries-old community—the fishermen of Gwadar—finds itself struggling to navigate the waves of change.
For generations, Gwadar’s fishermen have depended on the Arabian Sea for their livelihood. Using wooden boats, simple nets, and knowledge passed down through families, they have sustained themselves through traditional fishing techniques. But rapid industrialisation, large-scale commercial fishing, and port development are reshaping their way of life.
“We used to go out to sea and return with enough catch to feed our families and sell at the market. Now, with bigger trawlers coming in, our nets often come back empty,” says Haji Baloch, a fisherman whose family has been in the trade for over four generations.
Large commercial trawlers—many owned by foreign companies—operate with advanced equipment, depleting fish stocks and leaving little for local fishermen. The introduction of deep-sea fishing has not only affected their daily catch but has also led to an increase in conflicts between traditional fishermen and commercial operators.
The Gwadar Port, a major component of CPEC, promises economic growth and new job opportunities. But for local fishermen, the project has brought uncertainty. Many fishing docks have been displaced, access to traditional fishing waters has become restricted, and pollution from port activities threatens marine biodiversity.
A major concern is the construction of the Eastbay Expressway, which cuts through the fishermen’s access points to the sea. While the government has assured that alternative fishing zones will be provided, locals remain skeptical. “We were told this development would bring us prosperity, but all we see are roadblocks to our own livelihoods,” says another fisherman, Rashid Mengal.
Despite the challenges, Gwadar’s fishing community continues to resist the forces of modernisation that threaten their heritage. Protests and advocacy efforts have increased, demanding government intervention to protect their rights. Several organisations and activists have called for regulations that limit large-scale fishing operations and ensure fair compensation for those displaced by development projects.
Some fishermen have also tried to adapt, investing in motorised boats and newer fishing equipment. However, without proper support, these efforts remain limited. “We cannot compete with those who have resources beyond our reach,” Mengal adds.
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Experts argue that the government must strike a balance between economic progress and protecting the local fishing community. Sustainable fishing practices, financial aid for small-scale fishermen, and alternative employment opportunities within the port industry could help ease the transition.
There is also a growing interest in eco-tourism and sustainable seafood ventures. If managed properly, these initiatives could provide alternative livelihoods for Gwadar’s fishing families while preserving their deep-rooted connection to the sea.
The story of Gwadar’s fishermen is one of resilience in the face of modernisation. While development brings opportunities, it also comes with consequences for communities that have long relied on traditional ways of living. The question remains: can Pakistan find a way to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of its people?
For now, as the sun rises over the Arabian Sea, the fishermen of Gwadar set sail—uncertain of what the future holds, but unwilling to let go of their past.
