Amid increasing brutality, victims protest against Pakistan Coast Guard in Gwadar

Following the ongoing harassment and seizure of local vehicles in Balochistan’s Gwadar city, victims protested against the Pakistan Coast Guard at Kaldan Cross near the Guba border and blocked the Makran coastal highway.

The protesters lamented that the illegal activities of the coast guard have disrupted business and daily life of people in the area, Balochistan Post reported.

They further claimed that the government made false promises of giving them concessions and would take action against such illegal activities. On the other hand, the government is presenting a false narrative that the situation in the area is under control.

Recently, Pakistan Coast Guard fired on a Baloch fuel vehicle, leading to protests in the area. Giving information about the incident, Baloch Yakjehti Committee said, “Yesterday, a tragic incident came to light in Panwan Jewani of Gwadar district, where paramilitary force Coast Guard fired directly at a vehicle carrying fuel. Luckily, the driver survived, but the vehicle was gutted.”

BYC also condemned the situation and said, “It is a well-recognized reality that the people of Balochistan lack economic incentives and basic economic infrastructure.” They are heavily dependent on border trade, which has long been a threat to Baloch culture. Has been an integral part of. This area is immersed in poverty, with most of the population living below the poverty line. In such dire circumstances, where many struggle to afford even two meals a day, state atrocities and oppression further compound their suffering. Every day, those living at the border face humiliation and torture, violating their fundamental rights to income and stability.”

According to Balochistan Post, the protesters are demanding an immediate end to the harassment and seizure of local vehicles by the Coast Guard. They also demanded the restoration of local businesses to save their basic economic infrastructure.