Balochistan

Life limps back to normal in protest-hit Gwadar

Shopkeepers reopen businesses in main bazaar; port operations also resume

Syed Ali Shah January 03, 2023

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

QUETTA:

After days of protests and clashes, normalcy returned to the port city of Gwadar on Monday, as the port restarted operations, shopkeepers reopened their shops in the main bazaar and the authorities restored mobile phone service.

The Gwadar Rights Movement (GRM) activists have been protesting against the provincial government for more than two months over illegal fishing in the sea and unnecessary check posts. As a result, baton-wielding policemen had been deployed in various parts of the city to maintain order.

A high-level meeting, chaired by Balochistan Chief Secretary Aziz Uqaili expressed satisfaction over the return of normalcy to the port city. The Gwadar deputy commissioner and other high-ups briefed the meeting about the law and order situation through a video link.

So far, 14 GRM activists, including a local journalist Obaidullah, were detained under the Maintenance of Public Order. The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) strongly condemned the arrest of the journalist and demanded his immediate release.

Also read: Tension prevails in Gwadar

Residents of Gwadar heaved a sigh of relief after the opening of shops, petrol pumps, and the restoration of mobile service. The port has also become operational as workers started loading and unloading wheat trucks, said a handout. “Tourist activities are also restored and tourists started visiting the sea view,” it added.

The fisheries department secretary briefed the meeting about the action taken against the elements involved in illegal fishing and trawling in the Arabian Sea. He said that all departments were making joint efforts to arrest the elements involved in illegal fishing and trawling in Gwadar.

The chief secretary directed the officials concerned to ensure the provision of clean drinking water to Gwadar and reduce load-shedding duration. He said the government was committed to addressing the issues faced by the residents of Gwadar.