A Baloch fisherman was killed, and another injured in an alleged attack by Pakistani coastguards in the Jiwani area of Gwadar district.
The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Paank, said the incident occurred when a fishing boat carrying Abdul Ghaffar Baloch and Abdul Sadiq was rammed by coastguards. Abdul Ghaffar died on the spot, while Abdul Sadiq was injured.
In a statement on X, Paank alleged the attack was ordered by Coast Guard Major Ahmed. It described the incident as a “blatant misuse of power” and called for an investigation. “This violence against civilians must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable,” the group said.
Livelihoods at Risk
Baloch fishermen say their livelihoods are increasingly under threat. Many depend on the sea as their sole source of income but face challenges such as illegal deep-sea trawling and alleged harassment and attacks by security forces.
Local fishermen have accused the Coast Guard of targeting them during fishing expeditions, alleging that those who resist are forcibly disappeared or killed. “We are harassed while trying to earn a living. Incidents like these make our lives unbearable,” said one fisherman.
Residents of Gwadar have reported several cases of alleged misconduct by the Coast Guard in recent weeks, including incidents where fishing boats were rammed, causing loss of life.
Broader Grievances in Gwadar
Gwadar is central to Pakistan’s economic ambitions and is often described as the “crown jewel” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, local people say they have been marginalized in their own homeland.
Despite the city’s strategic importance, many residents rely on fishing as their primary source of income and face persistent challenges, including poor infrastructure, a lack of clean water, and limited employment opportunities.
Protests over these grievances, including sit-ins, have become increasingly frequent in Gwadar. Activists accuse authorities of neglecting their concerns. “The government has made promises, but nothing has changed for us,” said a local resident.
Officials from the Pakistani Coast Guard have yet to respond to the allegations regarding the attack in Jiwani.