The Pickup Union in Gwadar has staged a sit-in protest on the Coastal Highway, bringing all traffic to a complete halt. The protest was launched in response to the alleged unjustified actions by the Coast Guards, who, according to demonstrators, have been stopping and seizing their vehicles without cause.
Speaking to the media, representatives of the Pickup Union said they are engaged in peaceful and legal economic activities, yet continued interference by the Coast Guards has pushed them to the brink of financial ruin. “We are already drowning in debt, and now our vehicles are being seized, destroying us further,” said one protester.
Union members alleged that under the cover of night, the Coast Guards impounded locally operated pickup trucks without issuing any notice or providing any justification. These vehicles, they stated, were legally transporting diesel with proper permits issued by the Balochistan government. The diesel, they claimed, was being transported through a legitimate route.
The union also said they met with Colonel Zain-ul-Abideen of the Coast Guard, who promised justice and assured them that the seized vehicles and diesel would be returned. However, only the empty vehicles were returned, while the valuable diesel was confiscated. The union described this action as a grave injustice to the already struggling local population.
Drivers involved in the protest explained that they often purchase diesel on credit, undertake risky journeys, and earn barely enough to survive after days of hard labor. “When state institutions loot our livelihood, it’s equivalent to snatching food from the mouths of the poor,” one driver said.
The union has issued an ultimatum that if the diesel was not returned by Saturday night, they would launch an indefinite sit-in starting at 11 AM the next day. They also appealed to the public and transport community to avoid unnecessary travel due to the disruption.
The protest has brought traffic to a standstill, with long queues of vehicles reported on the highway.
Locals expressed frustration over the incident, stating that such actions raise serious questions about the government’s development claims for Gwadar. Despite being a central hub of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), they said, basic employment opportunities are still out of reach for Gwadar’s residents. Under the guise of security, economic activities of the local population are being severely restricted.