A mega project to restore five historical sites in Gwadar city costing Rs312.406 million is all set to be completed with original renovation and landscaping under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2026. These historical sites include Rest House (Padhgo), Indo-European Telegraph Office, the Portuguese Watchtower, Omani Watchtower and the Omani Fort.

A GDA official told Gwadar Pro that the objective of this project is to preserve the city's ancient culture and historical legacy, ensuring it is passed on to future generations. As part of the Gwadar Old Town Restoration Project, five significant historical sites are ready to be showcased to the public, he added.

He said this initiative not only guarantees the preservation of the city's ancient culture but also serves as an important effort to keep the remnants of the past alive alongside the city's future development. This project will not only boost local and international tourism but also highlight the historical background of the city.

Under the project, the old historical structure, namely the Indo-European Telegraph Office is being conserved, which was established in the 18th century. The old building was initially built to house the Indo-European Telegraph Line offices. In the aftermath of the Great War of Independence in 1857, the Colonialists in order to overcome their fear of isolation, decided to connect England with India by telegraph lines.

Restoration of Rest House (Char Padago) carries a profound importance in Balochi culture. Once Gwadar was purchased by Pakistan, this building was adopted for various official uses. Gwadar Development Authority realizing the historical character of the building decided to salvage the building, and put it to befitting usage, for the promotion of cultural heritage.

The Portuguese Watchtower was built in the 16th century. The height and location of the structure shows that it was the tallest structure at that time, and was located in the heart of Gwadar. It was used to protect the area from both sides of the sea against the invaders.

A huge basement area of the structure shows that it was used to store the weapons or used as a prison. The Omani Watchtower was built in the 18th century. The watchtower was built to protect the area from the eastern side of the Arabian Sea. It is located in Shahi Bazar, which was famous as a center of trade, according to Gwadar Pro on Tuesday.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China