What reportedly sparked public discontent was the provincial government’s decision to resume fencing of the port city of Gwadar, a move aimed at protecting the Chinese nationals working there and their projects from potential threat due to the rise in armed activities of Baloch sub-nationalist groups, according to Pakistan watchers.
Fencing of Gwadar was perceived as turning the commercially important area into a military garrison and denying the common people access to the city.
Baloch Yakjethi Committee (BYC), a civil society group led by Baloch women, had said they would organise a national gathering (Baloch Razi Muchhi) at Gwadar on July 28 to apprise the locals of their rights vis-à-vis the coasts and natural resources and the disappearances of Balochis, allegedly orchestrated by the Pakistani military establishment.
Dr. Maharang Baloch, leader of BYC, who had pioneered a civilian protest of the Baloch people in Islamabad earlier this year, urged the Balochis to gather in Gwadar on Sunday and peacefully demonstrate against the alleged atrocities of Pakistani security forces, as well as China’s exploitative measures in Balochistan under the garb of mega-projects. Critics claim that the Pakistan military had plotted to assassinate Maharang Baloch.Even as the Pakistan Army cracked down ahead of the protest, people gathered from all over Balochistan and even parts of Sindh and Punjab provinces and marched towards Gwadar, ET has learnt. Despite roadblocks and incidents of firing, the protestors reached Gwadar on July 28.Subsequently, the local administration imposed a curfew and suspended internet and mobile services in the city. According to local media reports, security forces resorted to firing and baton charge, which caused multiple deaths and injuries to unarmed civilians, including women and children. Incidents of firing and tear gas shelling were also reported from Quetta, Turbat, Mastung and Talar Zero Point, where thousands of Baloch protesters are stranded due to road blocks, claimed reports.
Protests, however, continued across Gwadar on Monday and Tuesday.
The Baloch protesters hold China equally accountable for the “genocide of locals”, alleging it is to facilitate unhindered exploitation of Balochistan’s resources, denying any benefits to the locals. Gwadar is a key pillar of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the jewel crown of the Belt and Road Initiative.
