Gwadar imbroglio

Disturbing news has been emanating from Gwadar for several weeks now. People led by a political leader have been demanding their basic rights.

Access to fishing in their own waters, the security of tenure of fisherfolk's settlements, greater inclusion of the local population in the job market, limiting the role of security forces in daily city affairs and the provision of proper healthcare and education are not new demands. They have echoed since Gwadar was identified as the next important port after Karachi.

Seaports and the activities they generate attract sizable numbers of external workers and investors. The local population loses its preferential status in economic development. Thus, the demands of the people of Gwadar are justified. Although CPEC's footprint is evident in many parts of the country, Gwadar, for those in Islamabad, seems to be the barometer of progress for the project.

Protesters in the Makran coastal region argue that hundreds of large trawlers continue to fish in deep waters without check. They even catch the small fish through prohibited nets and advanced technology. The local fishing community is dependent on traditional subsistence fishing practices, and in the presence of the trawlers, are deprived of fishing opportunities. Local fishermen fear that poverty and hunger will increase, impacting the fishing communities of Gwadar, Pasni, Khad Koocha CPEC's real benefits will remain elusive (in Mastung), Awaran, Khuzdar and the if this impasse continues. adjoining locations. The option of a deep-sea port on

The protesters also criticise the the Makran coast was originally conceived heavy presence of security personnel in 1964 but proper studies started and their activities. Thousands of security in 1974. The development of personnel have been deployed to Gwadar port was an essential component protect the Chinese from targeted of Pakistan's eighth five-year plan attacks. The entire region has many (1993-98). Technical and financial feasibility checkpoints and surveillance installations, studies led to the decision to which are difficult for ordinary develop the port. folk to navigate. Often, instances of The port became operational in 2016. mistreatment by security personnel are At its inauguration, the then Balochistan reported, exacerbating divisions chief minister said that the Baloch would between the administration and the have greater control and ownership of the people. Disappointingly, mainstream assets in the province. It was announced political parties have not engaged that some two dozen ships would call at meaningfully with the people. Those the port in the near future. That meant who believe in Gwadar's significance instant employment for skilled and for Balochistan's (and national) prosperity unskilled labour, and other economic find the situation unacceptable. opportunities for the local people.

Unfortunately, the promises never materialised, plan was prepared by consultants, who and benefits such as Gwadar's did not pay heed to local requirements. proximity to Iran's Chabahar port and the For a very long time, the local people Hormuz Strait were never tapped. have been demanding that their access

There is no denying that several to the sea through traditional harbour powerful interest groups at the regional routes be safeguarded. and global level are against CPEC and As fishing is the main activity of Pakistan's China policy. Our establishment the people of Gwadar, local communities and successive regimes have have been very wary about administrative attempted to protect this vital tenet of control. They believe that with our foreign relations. But still, there the proposed development projects, the have been several blunders. Baloch entire control of the fishing enterprise society is least engaged in the Gwadar will be transferred to foreign investors project. Decisions on CPEC and and companies.

Balochistan are made without taking Besides, Gwadar is a small town into account the interest and priorities with a population of some 200,000 of the local residents. people. The masterplan projects highdensity

Take the case of the smart city high-rise deve lopments. It is masterplan for Gwadar, which was feared that once the investm ent boom completed and approved by the provincial lands in Gwadar, the main government some time ago. The bene fi ciaries will be international