Coast
The Makran coast
The Makran coast runs about 750 kilometres along Balochistan from Karachi's western edge to the Iranian border. The Makran Coastal Highway, opened in 2004, follows it for roughly 650 kilometres, passing Hingol National Park, the mud volcano of Chandragup and the sandstone formation known as the Princess of Hope.
Quick facts
- Coast length
- About 750 km in Balochistan
- Coastal Highway opened
- 2004
- Hingol National Park
- About 6,190 sq km
- Astola marine protected area
- Declared 2017
Background
The coastline is arid, with cliffs, wide bays and a small number of fishing harbours: Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar and Jiwani. Hingol National Park, at about 6,190 square kilometres, is Pakistan's largest and protects ibex, urial and marsh crocodile. Astola Island, roughly 40 kilometres offshore from Pasni, was declared a marine protected area in 2017.
Key entries
- Hingol National Park
Pakistan's largest national park.
- Chandragup
Active mud volcano near the coast road.
- Gwadar
Hammerhead peninsula and deep-water port.
- Astola Island
Pakistan's largest offshore island.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Makran Coastal Highway?
- About 650 kilometres between Karachi and Gwadar, opened in 2004.
- What is Astola Island?
- Pakistan's largest offshore island, about 40 kilometres from Pasni, protected as a marine area since 2017.