GWADAR

town and seaport, Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan. Located on the sandy Nuh headland that juts southward into the Arabian Sea, the town is an important fishing (sardines and sharks) and trade centre. The main industrial concern is a fish-processing factory; salt is obtained by the evaporation of seawater. Gwadar became part of the sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1797, and it was not until 1958 that the town and adjoining hinterland were given up by Oman to Pakistan. The adjacent hinterland to the north is drained by several small rivers, including the Dasht River. Jowar (sorghum), wheat, barley, dates, and livestock are raised. Roads connect Gwadar town with Pasni to the east and with Turbat to the northeast. Pop. (1981) town, 17,000.