With basic necessities hampered in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar due to China’s multibillion-dollar belt and road projects, civilians have started to protest against the dire living conditions. Amid the growing unrest in the country, Pakistan's Punjab assembly member Samiullah Khan, among others, urged Islamabad to accept the demands of the Gwadar protestors without delay. Beijing's deep seaport construction in Gwadar which is a part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has resulted in a severe shortage of water and electricity, unnecessary checkpoint setups, and threat to the livelihood of fishermen. The worrisome living conditions in the city gave rise to the ‘Give rights to Gwadar’ rally.
Pakistan Punjab Assembly stands with Gwader protesters | Key points
1. Samiullah Khan, a member of the Punjab assembly from the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) has submitted a resolution in the assembly urging Imran Khan government to acknowledge Gwadar protestor's demands.
2. "Gwadar played an important role in the progress of the country and ignoring its residents would not be wise on the part of the government," Samiullah's resolution added.
Also Read | Mob in Pak tortures, burns body of Sri Lankan export manager of a factory
3. Maulana Hidayat, head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar’ rally, said that the protests will continue till the government agrees to the demands of the citizens suffering. He also said that people are jobless event after the construction of the new port and people feel humiliated due to the numerous security checkpoints. He further added that there is no electricity or power which is a basic necessity.
4. Geopolitical analyst Mark Kinra has said that the Punjab Assembly's reaction to the issue is pure politics driven and as PML (N) plans to compete with the Imran Khan government in the upcoming general elections, it is bringing up human rights issues of Baloch people.
5. Baloch residents continue to raise issues like providing education, curbing drugs and liquor, and improving health facilities for the people. The Baloch people also play strategic importance for the country as the city is a base for China's multipurpose port. The protests are organized by concerned citizens, fishermen, civil rights activists, and workers of some political parties.
Also Read | Pakistan embassy in Washington ran out of funds to pay salaries
