Since inception of Pakistan the gross political, social and economic neglect of Balochistan coupled with rampant human rights violations perpetrated by Pakistan government in sync with the nation’s military had coerced the local population to take up arms against Pakistan establishment sowing seeds of insurgency in Balochistan since 1948. The disenfranchisement continues till date with a latest series of protests in the capital city of Gwadhar adding to the saga of woes of the debt-ridden Pakistan government.
Since November 2015, at a coastal town in southwest Pakistan (Gwadar), thousands of locals including women and non-locals started massive and resolute revolt against the ongoing Chinese operated project under the flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Balochistan. Gwadar being the nucleus of BRI project, plays a very significant role in transfiguring the antagonist backend plans of Chinese government to reality.
In 2015, Gwadar became popular in media circles when it was chosen to be the hub of the CPEC. It connects economic corridor with plethora of roads, railway lines and energy projects. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, a Jamaat e Islami leader from Balochistan, is heading the movement in Gwadar called “Gwadar Ko Haqooq Do “ (Give Rights to Gwadar). From past 32 days tens of thousands of men and women are continuing the peaceful protest.
Balochistan, the least developed province of Pakistan, is rich in natural resources. This region has suffered at the hands of biased Pakistan polity- unmindful or deliberately neglecting the interests of the local Baloch population in favour of the more affluent Punjabi Muslim population creating a sense of alienation in the Baloch population. There is indignation amongst local population against all the firms working for CPEC. There is a sense of anger prevailing in the environment over exploitation of Baloch resources for CPEC projects without paying any dividends to the indigenous population. Moreover, the jobs are being outsourced to outsiders, further rubbing salt on the wounds of the Balochis.
In addition to this the Chinese project instead of providing jobs is stepping on the pre-existing means to livelihood in the region. Fishing is the main source of income for the population of Gwadar. Chinese fishing companies are allegedly disrupting the delicate marine-ecosystem of the region. Locals claim that Trawler mafia is looting their marine resources.
A protest was held by local fisherman in June 2021 against the unauthorized access and license given to Chinese vessels to exploit the water resources in coast of Gwadar. The difficulties for fishermen further escalated when they were forced to vacate their traditional fishing ports for the construction of the newly developing Chinese port. Harassment of locals at multiple check posts, severe shortage of electricity and scarcity of clean water have compounded the problems of the locals. The growing anger of the locals snowballed into a series of protests against the illegal and inhumane exploitation of the local population at the hands of giant Chinese companies. These protests are coordinated and rallied under Rights to Gwadar movement and led by Maulana Rehman.
As usual, the cries of the Baloch population have gone unheard. In this case also it has taken 32 days for Imran Khan seems to acknowledge the problem of Balochis. As the matter concerned the Chinese, the hybrid government was seeking directions from Beijing to call off the protest as it has been hurting Chinese investment and credibility.
Soon after, the protests was called off, the beleaguered Chief Minister of Balochistan, Bizenjo and the leader of Gwadar ko Haqooq Do movement, Maulana Hidayat-ur- Rehman were seen distributing cash to the protesters. Such act only points to the fact as to how closely the political party like PTI wants to be closely associated with fundamentalists. Though the elections to Balochistan is far away but the Chief Minister Bizenjo is on a sticky wicket. Last time he was elected Chief Minister, his tenure lasted for three months. He needs the support of religious leader to gain strength and steer his party to victory. At this point it is also prudent to visualize the ongoing events through a historical lens.
The genesis and unfolding of the current Balochistan movement bear’s uncanny resemblance to the events of 1971. Colluding with people and doling out money to end protest is not going to solve the problems of Balochis. If history repeats itself Pakistan will not even possess the luxury to put the blame on its Eastern neighbour.
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