The Balochistan Ko Haq Do Movement has gained momentum over the past week as thousands of supporters and admirers have poured in from Ormara, Pasni, Kech, Awaran and several regions of Makran to participate in the movement and pledge their support. After several thousands-strong rallies stretching from horizon to horizon in Gwadar, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, finally took notice of the issue.
The police arrested veteran Baloch leader Yousaf Masti Khan on sedition charges and the court handed him over for a one-day physical remand. The police also tried to apprehend Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, the leader of the movement, for allowing Masti Khan to use the protest stage for “anti-Pakistan propaganda.”
The attempt at Maulana’s arrest was met with a furious uproar in Gwadar. Tens of thousands of protestors marched on the streets of Gwadar, chanting slogans against the authorities and reiterating the demands for their fundamental rights. The photos and drone footage of the rally have gone viral on social media. Political activists, journalists, social workers and politicians reshared the footage, saying: “Gwadar has woken up.”
Almost immediately after the rally, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, took notice of the issues facing the people of Gwadar. In a tweet on social media, Khan said: “I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan.”
The Balochistan Ko Haq Do Movement has gained supporters and admirers throughout Balochistan. In district Washuk, religious leader Maulana Abdul Waheed Baloch pledged his support to the movement. He said that the Pakistani security forces have wreaked havoc in Washuk, Kichg and Naag. He said that the forces are harassing the people. He said that the forces arson crops, steal cattle and motorcycles, and plunder the possessions of the people.
Maulana Abdul Waheed Baloch said that the forces had sustained an explosion a few days ago in Washuk. As a result, they cordoned off the area and restricted the locals’ movement in the area. He said that when I confronted the security officials about the locals’ complaints, they told that: “This is not your business. Go lead prayers in the mosque.”
The religious leader asked the locals to participate in the Balochistan Ko Haq Do Movement and raise their concerns.