GWADAR – The centuries-old Omani-era structure located within Government Girls High School Gwadar, once used by a British agent and later by various local institutions, now serves as the school’s administration block.
In Balochistan news updates, the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has undertaken a project to restore, renovate, and expand this historic building.
Officials say the initiative will not only improve the school’s infrastructure but also safeguard the cultural heritage of Gwadar, ensuring that the city’s modern development moves forward while preserving its unique historical identity.
Gwadar’s history reflects influences from Oman, which ruled the coastal region for nearly 150 years until it became part of Pakistan in 1958.
Several Omani-era structures—including forts, warehouses, and residential buildings—still stand as reminders of that period.
In recent years, with Gwadar emerging as a key port city under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), efforts have intensified to protect and restore these heritage sites so that rapid urban growth does not erase the city’s distinct historical character.
Balochistan News Updates
Gwadar’s ties to Oman date back to the late 18th century, when the Omani Sultanate gained control of the small coastal settlement on the Arabian Sea.
In 1783, the Khan of Kalat (a Baloch ruler) gifted Gwadar to an exiled Omani prince, and the Omani rulers subsequently administered it for nearly 175 years.
During this period, Gwadar became an outpost of the Omani maritime empire, serving as a hub for trade across the Arabian Sea and a strategic stop for merchants and sailors traveling between the Persian Gulf, East Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
Omani influence is still visible in Gwadar’s old architecture—forts, mosques, warehouses, and residential quarters bear the distinctive style of Omani stonework and design.
Arabic words entered the local Balochi dialect, and family ties between Gwadar residents and Omanis remain strong; even today, many Baloch families hold dual connections with Oman.
In 1958, Pakistan purchased Gwadar from Oman for about US $3 million, formally integrating the territory into Balochistan.
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This transition marked the end of Omani rule but left behind a shared cultural and historical legacy that continues to shape Gwadar’s identity.
