The town has been affected by the ongoing conflict between pro-independence Baloch nationalists and the Government of Pakistan. In May 2017 ten construction and road workers were killed by members of the Balochistan Liberation Army.[1]
Pishukan is a major conduit for people smuggling,[2] arms smuggling, and for drug smuggling. The town was mentioned in 1909 as the landing site for up to 1,500 rifles which were being smuggled into Balochistan.[3]
Pishukan has a hot 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.[7] Rescue efforts in the area were coordinated by the Pakistan Coast Guards.[8]
Fish harbour
The economy of the town has long been focussed on fishing with reports of this from as far back as 1908.[9] Plans for a new fishing harbour were announced in 2002.[10]
The town is expected to become a major commercial centre in concert with the development of the Port 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.[11] An area of 1,000 acres (400 ha) has been earmarked for the use of the Pakistan Navy.[12]
The town is connected to the rest of Pakistan by the Makran Coastal Highway, which passes about 15 km (9.3 mi) to the north of the town.
The main seaport is the Port of Gwadar, approximately 25 km (16 mi) to the east of the town.
Gwadar Airport is the main airport for the area but the new Gwadar International Airport, approximately 50 km (31 mi) to the northeast of Pishukan, is due to become operational in late 2023.
