Pakistan's Gwadar port was meant to be a shining success for China's Belt and Road Initiative.
In November 2016, Gwadar port symbolized stability, peace and prosperity for Pakistan — at least according to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
In addition to the already established port of Karachi, Gwadar was chosen to connect the corridor to the global shipping network.
It would be integrated into a new special economic zone that would transform Gwardar into a bustling port city.
The port has potential, said Azeem Khalid, an assistant professor of international relations at COMSATS University Islamabad who studies Chinese investments in Pakistan.
With Gwadar port, for instance, 90% of the quite limited revenue goes to the Chinese operating company.
Mardell said that the CPEC and Gwadar port with it will likely continue despite all its issues. »