The Balochistan government’s decision to erect barricades in parts of Gwadar has been met with vehement opposition from local politicians, activists, human rights organizations, and residents. Critics argue that this move could potentially divide Balochistan and create unnecessary divisions within the community.
Molana Hidayat Ur Rehman, Gwadar’s representative in the Balochistan Assembly, voiced his disapproval at a Sunday press conference in Gwadar Press Club. He reiterated his longstanding opposition to the barricading of Gwadar, first as a political worker, now as a representative of the people of Gwadar.
Rehman questioned the silence of the former Gwadar MPA regarding the government’s use of his private property for constructing the barricades. He refuted claims that he supported the barricading initiative, clarifying that he was not involved in the Quetta conference where these plans were discussed. Instead, he had advocated for educational institutions in Gwadar at that event.
He addressed the impatience of some who hold him responsible for government actions, suggesting they wait a few years before judging his accountability. Rehman also criticized Hammal Kalamti, the former Gwadar MPA, for his silence on past injustices against Baloch youth.
The Balochistan National Party Awami (BNP-Awami) echoed these sentiments in a press conference at the Gwadar Press Club, rejecting what they termed ‘imperialist’ policies and expressing readiness to combat ‘neo-colonial governance’ to safeguard Baloch rights.
Advocate Saeed Faiz, Secretary General of BNP-Awami, accused Islamabad’s rulers of devising strategies to commodify Gwadar for global interests, displacing its inhabitants. He labeled the barricade decision as a hindrance to Gwadar’s political and economic progress, freedom, and peaceful living.
Faiz highlighted the myriad issues plaguing Balochistan, such as enforced disappearances and ongoing protests. He condemned the government’s attempt to alienate the people from their ancestral lands, interpreting the barricades as a means to segregate Makran and Gwadar residents and favor non-local settlers from Punjab and China, further complicating life for Gwadar’s citizens.
He said that last time, the reversal of the decision to barricade Gwadar was a result of public outcry and a favorable ruling from the Balochistan High Court, which sided with the community’s concerns. Despite this, there is a sentiment that authorities are disregarding public sentiment.
The commitment to resist the division of Balochistan was reiterated, with calls for the cessation of the barricading process. Comrade Waseem Safar of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee visited Gwadar and, through a social media video, shared his interactions with locals affected by the barricades. He highlighted that the reorganization of Gwadar into tehsils, including Pasni, Jiwani, and Ormara, would be impacted by the barricades.
Safar emphasized that the barricading initiative is seen as a step towards splitting Balochistan and that state institutions are facilitating this division. He urged unity and resistance against what he described as exploitative and imperialist actions.