Chinese and Pakistani officials and ministers frequently term the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a "game-changer" for the region. Calling it a "win-win" project sounds bizarre. Astoundingly, Pakistan's southwestern port city of Gwadar in Balochistan province, located strategically on the shores of the Arabian Sea, is grappling with numerous problems and gross inequities despite being touted as an economic hub.  

A historic rally held in Gwadar has debunked tall claims of economic stability and development. Thousands of women took to the streets in Gwadar on November 29 to protest against illegal trawling, needless security check posts, water crisis, unemployment and other issues. 

Mass anger 

It was the first time in Balochistan’s history that women in such sizeable numbers quit their chores and poured out of their homes demanding basic amenities of life. History is a witness that mass movements which assign a central role to women have never failed and, in fact, often left an indelible mark.

Scores of people from various parts of the Makran division have been staging a sit-in since November 17 demanding a ban on illegal fishing with trawlers which is jeopardizing the interests of fishermen. They want additional check posts abolished as they disrupt the freedom of movement and lead to repeated interrogation. They want the water and electricity crisis to end and unemployment to be tackled. Several other issues are also listed in the demands.

This movement is led by the Provincial General Secretary of the Jamat-e-Islami Balochistan, Maulana Hidayat-Ur-Rehman Baloch, in the name of ‘Gwadar Ko Haq Do, Balochistan Ko Haq Do Tehreek’ (Give rights to Gwadar, Give Rights to Balochistan Movement). 

The loud and clear stance adopted by Maulana Baloch has given hope to people in these hopeless days. Despite multiple threats, the Maulana has refused to bow down and give up his democratic and constitutional struggle. Hidden forces have failed to lower his morale.  

End Balochistan’s misery 

Such movements are the glaring manifestation of the acerbic fact that Gwadar is being exploited in the garb of CPEC. Since its inception in 2013, CPEC has miserably failed to address the basic issues of Balochistan’s inhabitants. Shockingly, officials and ministers still have the audacity to dub Gwadar as the next Singapore or a Dubai. This only adds salt to the wounds of its residents.

Disregarding Gwadar in particular and forsaking Balochistan in general is augmenting a sense of alienation among the people. The strategy of sidelining the already marginalized province will aggravate the economic woes and trigger a public outcry that could spiral out of control. The incumbent provincial government is inept and incompetent to appease the protesters. The Maulana has threatened to block the coastal highway if the demands are not met. The Pakistan government should wake up from deep slumber before it is too late. 

(The writer is a contributing columnist based in Quetta, Balochistan. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at mannansaamad@gmail.com)