Areas along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman that form part of the Baluchistan Province of Pakistan are usually referred to as Makran Coast or Makran Coastal Belt. This terrain in this belt is a strange mix of coastal areas, desert and mountains. The narrow coastal belt rises and forms high mountain range with peaks that remain snow-covered during winter. The length of the coastline that lies in Pakistan is approximately 750 km.

Terrain and Weather

The Mekran Coast can be divided into two distinct regions; Easterly blue water lagoon coastline and Westerly embayed coastline. ‘Miani Hor’ and ‘Kalamat Hor’ are the main lagoons while Gwader and Gwater are the main bays. Gwater Bay protects a large mangrove that is the nesting ground of many endangered species including some rare turtle species. The climate in this part of Pakistan is arid and dry with little to no rain fall during the year.

Population

The coastal belt of Makran is thinly populated with much of the population concentrated in small coastal town like Chabahar, Gwatar, Jiwani, Jask, Sirik, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara and many smaller fishing villages. Located near the Town of Pasni is the only island named Astola Island besides some small sized islets.

Trade and Commerce

People in the coastal belt of Makran usually live off the sea. Fishing, shipping and trade are their main occupations. These tough looking proud people have traditionally been operating small sized ships and boats to ferry merchandise between Pakistan and neighboring countries of Iran and the Arabian Gulf states. Ship breaking is another major business in this part of the world. Notwithstanding their rough and businesslike looks these people are usually kind and helpful to the strangers and tourists.

Makran Coastal Highway

Makran Coastal Highway, also known as National Highway 10 (NH-10), extends from Karachi, Sindh Province to Gwadar, Balochistan Province and links the major towns and villages located in the Makran Coastal Belt. The Makran Coastal Highway is the best route to travel to beaches and lagoons located on the Makran Coast. You must, however, plan your stopovers and stays properly. We are in the process of compiling a list of lodging, refueling and food places along the route and will update this article once these details become available.

Recent Developments

Recent infrastructural and communication developments as part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have transformed the entire panorama of Gwadar and surrounding areas. Gwadar is being developed as one of the major ports and port city in this part of the world.