Correct Answer:
D. Balochistan
Explanation:
The correct answer is Balochistan because Gwadar is a major oceanfront port district situated along the southwestern Arabian Sea coastline of the province.
- Step 1 (Geographic Location): Gwadar is located on the Makran coast of Balochistan, positioning it strategically near the mouth of the Persian Gulf and making it a vital maritime trade hub.
- Step 2 (Administrative Purchase): Historically ruled by Oman, the enclave was officially purchased by the Government of Pakistan in 1958 and integrated directly into the Balochistan provincial administration.
- Incorrect Options:
- Sindh is incorrect because Sindh is located to the east of Balochistan, holding its own separate coastal hub at Karachi.
- Punjab is incorrect because Punjab is a landlocked province located in the central-eastern plains of Pakistan with no direct sea outlets.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is incorrect because it is situated in the northwestern mountainous frontier region of the country, completely isolated from southern coastal territory.