The town has been affected by the ongoing conflict between separatist insurgents and the security forces. In May 2017 ten construction and road workers were killed by militants of theBalochistan Liberation Army,[1] an internationally designated terrorist organization.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
Pishukan is a major conduit for people smuggling,[8] arms smuggling, andnarcotics smuggling. The town was mentioned in 1909 as the landing site for up to 1,500 rifles which were being smuggled into Balochistan.[9]
Pishukan has ahot desert climate (Köppen climate classificationBWh) with hot summers and warm winters. Most rainfall falls in winter, although there is sometimes a little rain in the monsoon season (July–August) as well. In January 2022 the town suffered from heavy flooding, resulting in the destruction of many mud houses.[13] Rescue efforts in the area were coordinated by thePakistan Coast Guards.[14]
The economy of the town has long been focussed on fishing with reports of this from as far back as 1908.[15] Plans for a new fishing harbour were announced in 2002.[16]
The town is expected to become a major commercial centre in concert with the development of thePort of Gwadar located about 27 kilometres (17 mi) to the east. There are plans for the fishing jetty of Gwadar to be moved to Pishukan at some point in the future.[17] An area of 1,000 acres (400 ha) has been earmarked for the use of thePakistan Navy.[18]
The town is connected to the rest of Pakistan by theMakran Coastal Highway, which passes about 15 km (9.3 mi) to the north of the town.
The main seaport is thePort of Gwadar, approximately 25 km (16 mi) to the east of the town.
Gwadar Airport is the main airport for the area but thenew Gwadar International Airport, approximately 50 km (31 mi) to the northeast of Pishukan, is due to become operational in late 2023.
Pakistan
