Policeman martyred in Gwadar protest
Pakistan has a long list of projects that it wants financed, including a tripartite agreement between China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for an oil refinery in Gwadar. photo: file
The situation in Gwadar on Tuesday turned ugly when Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) protesters, who have been staging a sit-in in the port city for nearly two months, allegedly opened fire and martyred a police constable.
The incident occurred at the Syed Hashmi Chowk in Gwadar when enraged protestors opened fire on police constable Yasir, who was on duty to provide protection.
According to the reports, the bullet hit the constable directly in the neck. He was taken to the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The provincial government strongly condemned the incident of the policeman’s killing.
Balochistan government spokesperson said the Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, who leads the movement, was resorting to violence to achieve his nefarious political goals and even shooting at security guards.
The spokesperson said the police was making all efforts to protect the lives and properties of the general public by avoiding the use of any kind of firearms in every situation, adding that the protestors resorted to violence after martyring a policeman.
Terming the incident unfortunate and regrettable, the spokesperson said the police were bearing the brunt of the provocation by protesters with patience and tolerance.
The spokesperson said the purpose of inciting protesters was to undermine the atmosphere of peace and negotiations. “The society and the peaceful citizens of Gwadar are also condemning the behaviour and unjustified provocation.”
Balochistan IG Police Abdul Khaliq Shaikh ordered immediate arrest of the accused involved in the incident.
“The safety of life and property is our first priority in every situation,” the Balochistan IG said.
The HDT has been protesting in Gwadar for nearly eight weeks under the leadership of Maulana Rehman.
The protestors have been demanding a reduction in the number of check posts, easier border trade, and a total end to deep-sea fish trawling in the sea next to Gwadar.
A day earlier, the Coastal Highway was blocked in protest near the Sarbandan area after seven HDT supporters, including their leader Hussain Wadala, were arrested by the police.
The supporters of the movement blocked the Coastal Highway after the arrest of their leaders. They also announced a strike in Gwadar and a rally in support of the arrested leaders in Pasni.