The Tumultuous Political Landscape of the 1950s
The 1950s in Pakistan were marked by a tumultuous political landscape, with frequent changes in the country’s leadership. Amidst this political instability, the annexation of Gwadar Port in 1958 became a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. In 1955, when Governor General Ghulam Muhammad was dismissed, the bureaucracy strengthened its hold on the country’s affairs, and military involvement reached its peak. Major General (retired) Sikandar Mirza, who was also a former bureaucrat, became the Governor General, effectively handing the government over to the military establishment.
Sikandar Mirza was an ambitious man who aspired to rule for a longer period. He believed that by involving his friend, Army Chief General Ayub Khan, in his government, his desire could be fulfilled. This period was a shameful era for Pakistan’s democracy, with Mirza dismissing five prime ministers within three years, making the premiership a joke.
The Annexation of Gwadar Port
One of the significant events during this period was the annexation of Gwadar into Pakistan. Gwadar, a port city on the southwestern coast of Baluchistan, was previously under the control of the Arab Sultanate of Oman during the British era. In 1958, Prime Minister Malik Firoz Khan Noon, the first Pakistani prime minister from Punjab, paid £3 million to Oman and annexed Gwadar into Pakistan.
The annexation of Gwadar was a strategic move that strengthened Pakistan’s position in the region. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, approximately 700 kilometers west of Karachi, Gwadar’s location made it a valuable asset for Pakistan’s maritime interests. The port city’s strategic importance was recognized by both the military and political leadership, and its integration into the country was seen as a significant achievement.
The Role of Akbar Bugti
It is said that Akbar Bugti, a prominent Baloch leader, played an important role in the Gwadar deal. Bugti, who was known for his fiery nationalist sentiments, was instrumental in negotiating the terms of the agreement with Oman. His involvement in the process highlighted the importance of Balochistan’s regional dynamics in the country’s national affairs.
The Transition to Martial Law
The annexation of Gwadar coincided with a critical moment in Pakistan’s political history. As the country prepared for its first general elections under the 1956 constitution, Sikander Mirza and General Ayub Khan, who had become the Chief Martial Law Administrator, feared losing their grip on power. On October 7, 1958, Mirza dismissed the government, annulled the constitution, and imposed martial law across the country.
This marked the end of Pakistan’s brief democratic experiment and the beginning of a period of military rule under General Ayub Khan. Sikandar Mirza’s decision to involve Ayub Khan in his government ultimately led to his own downfall, as the army chief eventually expelled him from power and sent him into exile.
The Legacy of the Gwadar Port Annexation
The annexation of Gwadar into Pakistan was a significant event that had long-lasting implications for the country’s geopolitical and economic landscape. The port city’s strategic location has continued to be a key factor in Pakistan’s regional and global ambitions, with the development of the Gwadar Port becoming a centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in recent years.
The Gwadar annexation also highlighted the complex regional dynamics within Pakistan, particularly the relationship between the central government and the Baloch nationalist movement. The involvement of Akbar Bugti in the negotiations underscored the importance of addressing the concerns of Balochistan’s ethnic minorities in the country’s political and economic decision-making processes.
As Pakistan continues to navigate the challenges of its past and chart a course for the future, the annexation of Gwadar remains a pivotal moment in the country’s history, one that shaped its geopolitical and economic trajectory in profound ways.
