Gwadar Protest: How Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar?

A Repressive state, a disgruntled population, and a superpower trying to colonize are the factors that lead to many civil wars. Recently such scenes have been witnessed in the Gwadar region of Pakistan.

In November 2021 people on the Gwadar began the protest known as “Gwadar ka hakk do'' which translates to give Gwadar its rights. The protests were organized to fight back against the operation of the Government and the Chinese attempt to take over their land.

Makran coastal highway which connects Karachi with Gwadar was blocked during the protest. All shops but also shut down.

The protestors are demanding basic amenities like job schools, hospitals, and electricity from the government. It is important to note that Gwadar is located in Baluchistan which is one of the most mineral-rich provinces of Pakistan. Some estimates believe that the number of resources in the province could be worth as much as one trillion dollars. But still, citizens have to fight for necessities because Islamabad is squeezing all the wealth out of the province.

Many Human Rights Groups estimate that around 6 thousand people are missing and many are dead. Finding dead bodies with multiple bullet wounds is a normal thing in the region. Balochi people are becoming victims of Pakistan's military force disappearances.

In response, Pakistan has sent 5,000 corps to "To calm the situation down and establish peace in the region "

China has been investing a lot in the Gwadar port. Since it is one of the major projects of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). But even the jobs that are created are not given to the residents of the place. China is creating settlements exclusively for Chinese people in Gwadar.

Local fishermen are also losing their revenue because of the Chinese Settlers. They are using mechanized boats to fish. Because of the lack of technology, local fishermen can’t compete with them.

China on the other hand is calling reports of protest “fake news”. But if reports are to be believed, the People's Liberation Army (PLA)is planning to station Chinese troops in Gwadar.

But with raging anger among the people of Gwadar against China. The minute the Chinese Navy set foot in Guwahati it could lead to civil war in the region.