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In Gwadar, Pakistan’s only deep-sea port and a linchpin of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), thousands of Baloch protesters have clashed with security forces over allegations of human rights abuses and resource exploitation. The unrest has resulted in casualties, arrests, and a media blackout. The situation has highlighted deep-seated grievances and raised concerns over the future of key Chinese investments read more
 "Why has China-built Gwadar port city in Pakistan been rocked by protests and violence?")
Supporters of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) listen to the speech of their leader during what they call the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, Pakistan, July 28, 2024. Reuters
The port city of Gwadar in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has become the epicenter of a significant protest movement led by the ethnic Baloch community. This unrest has been driven by grievances over alleged human rights abuses, enforced disappearances, and the exploitation of the province’s rich resources.
Gwadar, a critical component of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is Pakistan’s only deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea, making it strategically important both economically and geopolitically.
What is behind these protests?
The current wave of protests was sparked by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which organised demonstrations to highlight these issues.
The Baloch people, numbering around 15 million out of Pakistan’s 240 million population, have long felt marginalised and exploited, with their province’s wealth of natural resources, including oil, coal, gold, copper, and gas, being used to benefit the federal government disproportionately.
This long-standing resentment has occasionally flared into separatist sentiments, with at least five major insurgencies occurring since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. The latest rebellion began in the early 2000s, demanding greater autonomy and a fairer share of the province’s resources.
Why have protests escalated?
The tension in Gwadar escalated dramatically in recent days, starting with the BYC’s call for a “Baloch Rajee Muchi” or Baloch National Gathering.
As protesters attempted to converge on Gwadar, security forces set up roadblocks and allegedly fired on a convoy in Mastung district, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to several others.
BYC representative Bebarg Baloch told Al Jazeera, “The paramilitary force opened fire on a convoy comprising hundreds of people, including women and children, who were travelling from Quetta to Gwadar.”
The Pakistani military confirmed the incident, stating that one of its soldiers was killed in “unprovoked attacks by a violent mob” and that 16 other soldiers were injured. The BYC accused the authorities of attempting to suppress the protest by arresting dozens of their members, including prominent leaders Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabiha Baloch, whose whereabouts remain unknown, reported Al Jazeera.
The protests spread to other towns in Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, Kech, and Mastung, as demonstrators demanded the release of the arrested individuals.
Also Read | CPEC in peril: China’s strategic assets in Pakistan turning into a liability
BYC leader Mahrang Baloch, speaking to a crowd in Gwadar, expressed the community’s determination: “The state and its institutions have attempted to prevent us from holding this gathering by blocking highways and arresting our people, but today the entire Gwadar is here to send a message: we will not tolerate further oppression of the Baloch nation.”
In a post on X in the early hours of Friday, Mahrang Baloch wrote, “The sit-in by the Baloch Solidarity Committee continues for the fifth day in Padzir. Thousands of people are participating in the protest. Despite the continued use of force and violence by the state, the morale of the sit-in participants is high.”
گوادر: بلوچ یکجہتی کمیٹی کی جانب سے پانچویں روز بھی دھرنا پدی زِر میں جاری ہے۔ دھرنے میں ہزاروں کی تعداد میں عوام شریک ہیں۔ ریاست کی جانب سے مسلسل طاقت اور تشدد کے استعمال کے باوجود دھرنے کے شرکاء کے حوصلے بلند ہیں۔ ہم شروع دن سے ریاست پر واضح کر چکے ہیں کہ طاقت اور تشدد کے… https://t.co/yAJVlrXXoo
— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) August 1, 2024She highlighted the unity of the Baloch people, despite the risks, stating, “I know I may be the next target of this state, but unity is our strength, and we must remain united.”
How has the Pakistan government responded?
Balochistan’s chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the protests, suggesting they were part of a “conspiracy” to disrupt the region’s development and progress.
He asserted that while citizens have the right to assemble, it should not be with the intent to disturb public order. Bugti also mentioned that the government was open to dialogue, stating, “Our doors are open.”
Human rights organisations have criticised the Pakistani authorities’ handling of the situation. Amnesty International called for an end to the “brutal crackdown” and the immediate release of all detained protesters.
Pakistan🇵🇰: @amnesty is alarmed at the use of unlawful and unnecessary force against the participants of the Baloch National Gathering by security forces yesterday. It is a blatant violation of people’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
On 27 June, Frontier Corps reportedly…
They stated, “Amnesty International calls for an end to the brutal crackdown on the Baloch protests and the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right of peaceful assembly.”
Similarly, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticised the excessive use of force and the suspension of internet and mobile services, which hindered communication and media reporting.
How may these protests affect Chinese interests in the area?
Gwadar’s strategic importance is underscored by its role in CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
Inaugurated in 2016, Gwadar port has been heralded as a “game-changer” for Pakistan and China, promising to transform the local economy and boost bilateral trade. However, the ongoing unrest and security concerns have complicated these ambitions.
The protests and subsequent government crackdown have highlighted the broader issues facing the region, including the lack of local involvement in major projects and the perception of exploitation by the central government and foreign investors.
This discontent is compounded by the recent history of violence and insecurity in the region, which has seen attacks on Chinese personnel and projects.
Pakistan’s government, facing a resurgence of terrorism from both Islamist militants and Baloch separatists, is under pressure to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and investments.
On Monday, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed Zhao Shiren, China’s Consul General in Lahore, on the security measures being taken to protect Chinese interests.
The protests have drawn international attention to the plight of the Baloch people and the developments in Pakistan’s most resource-rich yet economically marginalised province.
Also Read: How India’s bet on Chabahar can counter China’s Gwadar gambit
With inputs from agencies
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