The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea.

The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE.

Balochistan, which is volatile and rife with historical tensions, has witnessed regular insurgencies since Pakistan annexed the autonomous Baloch state of Kalat in 1948.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-statue-of-mohammad-ali-jinnah-destroyed-in-blast-in-balochistan-416388">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan</a>

Balochs complain about the lack of autonomy and long-standing social and economic neglect in addition to a deteriorating human rights scenario in the country.

They have faced extreme deprivation and marginalisation from both Pakistan and Iran that has resulted in a strong desire for liberation among them.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-pakistan-took-balochistan-by-force-243032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources.

Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders.

The Balochistan conflict has a long, complex history, but since that time the stakes have risen as Balochistan’s wealth of copper, gold, gas and coal deposits caught China’s eye.

The prospects of Pakistan’s most reliable ally pouring in money excited successive governments while fuelling Baloch resentment over how little would come their way.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-things-have-got-worse-in-balochistan-akbar-bugtis-grandson-appeals-for-global-support-323071">Also read-EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support</a>

Separatist militants have frequently targeted Chinese construction in Gwadar, a port on the Balochistan coast, near the entrance to the strategically-important Gulf.

And in 2018, the Balochistan Liberation Army launched an assault on the Chinese consulate in the southern port city of Karachi, killing four Pakistani police and civilians.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baluch group Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan’s Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines.

Balochistan, where separatist militants have waged an insurgency against the state that has grown in profile as ally China develops mining there, has long been plagued by enforced disappearances. Families say men are picked up by the Pakistani security forces, disappear often for years, and are sometimes found dead, with no official explanation.

The 2006 arrest of Akhtar Mengal, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is a glaring example. He was arrested and denied basic rights of medical treatment or bedding while being imprisoned. Adding insult to injury, he was also kept in a cage during subsequent court proceedings.

A federal commission set up nine years ago listed 6,506 cases of enforced disappearances nationwide by the end of 2019. Most came from the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Karima Mehrab, a refugee from the Balochistan region of western Pakistan who was also known as Karima Baloch, went missing in Toronto’s downtown waterfront area. Police found her dead body later.

Mehrab was a prominent student organizer who campaigned for Balochistan’s separation from Pakistan, and later fled to Canada amid threats. She was named one of the BBC’s 100 inspirational and influential women of 2016.

Previously, Sajid Hussain, a Balochistan journalist and activist living in exile in Sweden, was found drowned there, according to media reports.

In 2020, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) quit Prime Minister Imran Khan’s parliamentary bloc, frustrated by unfulfilled promises to address Baloch grievances including the festering issue of the disappeared.

Though residing in the same region, the ethnic identity of the Baloch has remained in sharp contrast to the ultranationalism that defines the Pakistani state. Therefore, the Pakistani security forces, who see many of the Baloch nationalist groups as terrorists, have crushed any opposition or demand for reform.

Using the military to quell any Baloch uprising into submission has become a norm, and any attempts at protest have been reduced to naught.

While gas was discovered in the province in the 1950s, it was largely used to supply Karachi and Punjab, with Quetta, the capital of Balochistan only receiving access to these local resources in the 1980s.

Since then, Islamabad has provided this natural gas only to supply the army cantonments in Balochistan, and as of 2014, 59 percent of the urban population of Balochistan did not have access to the resource.

As of January 2020, the Sui Southern Gas Company, which supplies gas to Sindh and Balochistan, reported the shortfall of gas at nearly 40 percent.

Such deprivation, combined with the repression and blatant disregard for the Baloch people, is held as justification for their increasing resentment and larger aspirations for freedom.

(With inputs from agencies)

The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea. The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE.

The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea. The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE. Balochistan, which is volatile and rife with historical tensions, has witnessed regular insurgencies since Pakistan annexed the autonomous Baloch state of Kalat in 1948. Also read | Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan Balochs complain about the lack of autonomy and long-standing social and economic neglect in addition to a deteriorating human rights scenario in the country. They have faced extreme deprivation and marginalisation from both Pakistan and Iran that has resulted in a strong desire for liberation among them. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources. Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders. The Balochistan conflict has a long, complex history, but since that time the stakes have risen as Balochistan’s wealth of copper, gold, gas and coal deposits caught China’s eye. The prospects of Pakistan’s most reliable ally pouring in money excited successive governments while fuelling Baloch resentment over how little would come their way. Also read-EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support Separatist militants have frequently targeted Chinese construction in Gwadar, a port on the Balochistan coast, near the entrance to the strategically-important Gulf. And in 2018, the Balochistan Liberation Army launched an assault on the Chinese consulate in the southern port city of Karachi, killing four Pakistani police and civilians. In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baluch group Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province. The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan’s Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines. Balochistan, where separatist militants have waged an insurgency against the state that has grown in profile as ally China develops mining there, has long been plagued by enforced disappearances. Families say men are picked up by the Pakistani security forces, disappear often for years, and are sometimes found dead, with no official explanation. The 2006 arrest of Akhtar Mengal, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is a glaring example. He was arrested and denied basic rights of medical treatment or bedding while being imprisoned. Adding insult to injury, he was also kept in a cage during subsequent court proceedings. A federal commission set up nine years ago listed 6,506 cases of enforced disappearances nationwide by the end of 2019. Most came from the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Karima Mehrab, a refugee from the Balochistan region of western Pakistan who was also known as Karima Baloch, went missing in Toronto’s downtown waterfront area. Police found her dead body later. Mehrab was a prominent student organizer who campaigned for Balochistan’s separation from Pakistan, and later fled to Canada amid threats. She was named one of the BBC’s 100 inspirational and influential women of 2016. Previously, Sajid Hussain, a Balochistan journalist and activist living in exile in Sweden, was found drowned there, according to media reports. In 2020, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) quit Prime Minister Imran Khan’s parliamentary bloc, frustrated by unfulfilled promises to address Baloch grievances including the festering issue of the disappeared. Though residing in the same region, the ethnic identity of the Baloch has remained in sharp contrast to the ultranationalism that defines the Pakistani state. Therefore, the Pakistani security forces, who see many of the Baloch nationalist groups as terrorists, have crushed any opposition or demand for reform. Using the military to quell any Baloch uprising into submission has become a norm, and any attempts at protest have been reduced to naught. While gas was discovered in the province in the 1950s, it was largely used to supply Karachi and Punjab, with Quetta, the capital of Balochistan only receiving access to these local resources in the 1980s. Since then, Islamabad has provided this natural gas only to supply the army cantonments in Balochistan, and as of 2014, 59 percent of the urban population of Balochistan did not have access to the resource. As of January 2020, the Sui Southern Gas Company, which supplies gas to Sindh and Balochistan, reported the shortfall of gas at nearly 40 percent. Such deprivation, combined with the repression and blatant disregard for the Baloch people, is held as justification for their increasing resentment and larger aspirations for freedom. (With inputs from agencies)

From Pakistan's repression to Chinese discrimination: The untold story of Balochistan

In Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, a bomb went off, killing at least four people while 15 others had been wounded in the blast.

Pakistan: At least four people were killed while 15 others were wounded in a blast in Quetta city

After a month of a stir by residents in Pakistan's port city Gwadar, the government has finally accepted all the demands. The government also promises a University in Gwadar.

After a month of a stir, Gwadar protests were called off as Pakistan government accept all demands

As the mass protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar enter the 29th day, WION brings to you a live report from the ground up. Solidarity for protesters grows across the nation.

Ground report from Pakistan's port city Gwadar where mass protests have been going on for 29 days

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar,&nbsp;located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-reports-from-gwadar-protest-site-pm-imran-khan-vows-strong-action-against-illegal-trawlers-436888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION found authorities have built a stadium&nbsp;although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-wion-ground-report-this-is-what-protesters-in-gwadar-want-from-pak-govt-436647">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt</a>

The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-stop-till-we-get-peace-maulana-hidayat-talks-to-wion-about-trawler-mafia-and-failing-pak-govt-436780">Also read |&nbsp;‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest</a>

Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan."

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium. WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar, located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity. WION found authorities have built a stadium although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city. Also read | WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money. Also read | ‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast. In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan."

WATCH | WION Ground Report: Locals say they are not allowed inside Gwadar Cricket Stadium

As the Gwadar protests enter day 29, Pakistan PM Imran Khan acknowledges the demands to be legitimate. Protestors demand basic rights.

Fight for rights in Pakistan's port city Gwadar enters day 29

Tens of thousands of residents, activists and lawyers but no mention in the western media. Why hasn't Balochistan become a global rallying point like Tibet or Xinjiang? Palki Sharma tells you

Gravitas: Why the western media will not cover Gwadar protests

Balochistan is witnessing the biggest ever protest in its history. A team of WION is in Gwadar - tracking how tens of thousands of people are stepping out of their homes to protest. Palki Sharma tells you how the people of Balochistan are fighting for their very existence

Gravitas: WION in Gwadar - Balochistan's biggest protest erupts

WION at ground zero Gwadar: Protestors await government action as mass protests enter day 29

Residents, including women, are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar, &nbsp;for almost a month now against the government, demanding basic amenities and also raising their voices against a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing. &nbsp;

Gwadar is a port city on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, where protests are taking place as part of increasing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar.&nbsp;

The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

EXPLAINER | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-are-people-in-pakistans-gwadar-protesting-against-the-chinese-here-is-what-we-know-436605">Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know</a>

The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.&nbsp;

WION&nbsp;is currently in Gwadar, covering the protests and giving a platform for the people who are protesting. "We have been here since last one month we demand justice for the Gwadar residents. After every five years, we have to ask for our rights," a resident told WION, asking "why people of Balochistan are not getting their rights?".

"We demand doctors, there is no doctor. We need to go to another city for treatment and people die&nbsp;on the way - there is no facility here. Gwadar district is small but it should be given importance,&nbsp;we need facilities. During summer there is no light, no water," the woman added.&nbsp;

Watch WION's&nbsp;ground report here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-assures-strong-action-against-illegal-fishing-trawlers-in-gwadar-436612/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gwadar port has been presented as an integral part of the CPEC project, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.&nbsp;

In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan."

Residents, including women, are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar, for almost a month now against the government, demanding basic amenities and also raising their voices against a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing.

Residents, including women, are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar, for almost a month now against the government, demanding basic amenities and also raising their voices against a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing. Gwadar is a port city on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, where protests are taking place as part of increasing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar. The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). EXPLAINER | Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. WION is currently in Gwadar, covering the protests and giving a platform for the people who are protesting. "We have been here since last one month we demand justice for the Gwadar residents. After every five years, we have to ask for our rights," a resident told WION, asking "why people of Balochistan are not getting their rights?". "We demand doctors, there is no doctor. We need to go to another city for treatment and people die on the way - there is no facility here. Gwadar district is small but it should be given importance, we need facilities. During summer there is no light, no water," the woman added. Watch WION's ground report here: × Gwadar port has been presented as an integral part of the CPEC project, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast. In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan."

WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt

Pakistan: WION speaks to Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, the man leading Gwadar protests

Mass protests against the Chinese-led project CPEC project gains momentum as the protests mark its 26th day in Pakistan's port city Gwadar.

Mass protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar continue for the 26th day

With growing dissent in Gwadar over illegal fishing, mega protests continue in Pakistan. PM Imran Khan admits that the demands of Gwadar protestors are legitimate.

Mega Gwadar protests rattle Pakistan as PM Imran Khan admits demands of Gwadar protesters legitimate

Thousands of people stage protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar to demand rights for people residing in Balochistan. Residents are also opposing Chinese projects in their region.

Pakistan: Mass protests erupt in the port city of Gwadar demanding rights for people of Balochistan

Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan? For 18 days now, thousands of people have been protesting in Gwadar. They are pushing back against the oppression of Pakistan & the colonisation of China. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan?

On Monday, thousands of women hit the streets in Gwadar to demand basic rights. For several weeks now, people in Gwadar have been holding protest rallies. But their demands are falling on deaf ears. Palki Sharma tells you how Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

Gravitas: How Pakistan and China are exploiting Gwadar

For the 17th straight day, thousands of people are protesting in Pakistan's Gwadar against the lack of basic facilities. The movement is directly related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan: Protests continue for 17th straight day in Gwadar against CPEC

A large number of women along with their children have taken to the streets in Gwadar, the coastal city of Balochistan which is known as the centre of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), for the rights of the people of Gwadar and other areas of Makran.

Pakistan: Women take to the streets in Gwadar for basic rights

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing.

The protests are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan&nbsp;Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The sit-in protest is being organised by workers of some political parties, civil rights activists, fishermen and concerned citizens, who have been going on for a week at Y Chowk on Port Road in Gwadar, a coastal town in the restive Southwest Balochistan province.

The protest is spearheaded by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar' rally.

The protesters have been demanding the removal of unnecessary security check posts, availability of drinking water and electricity, eviction of &nbsp;Chinese trawlers from Makran coast and opening of the border with Iran from Panjgur to Gwadar, Pakistan based Jang newspaper reported.

Talking to WION exclusively over the phone, Rehman said that they have been agitating to seek justice and jobs for their people.&nbsp;He accused the Pakistan government&nbsp;of being hand-in-glove with the Chinese trawlers who are threatening their livelihood by illegally fishing in the southwestern Makran coast.

“Today (Monday) is our 8th day, we have been here since November 15 morning. Our demand is that we want jobs, this is our sea. Big trawlers have taken over our fishing area and are depriving the local fishermen of livelihood. The provincial and federal governments&nbsp;are backing these elements. Similarly, on the borders (near Iran), thousands of Baloch families are facing restrictions and are unable to do business. There are thousands of security check posts which are creating a hindrance,” Rehman said.

He threatened to stop the CPEC work if the government failed to listen to them and meet their demands.

“We, by the grace of God, will continue with our protest until all of our demands are met. We have people with us, thousands more are joining. If the government continues to ignore us, we will block the entire highway from Uthal zero point till Jiwani, and also block the entire Makran Coastal highway, and eventually expand our protest across Balochistan. We will also stage a protest in front of the Gwadar port and even stop the CPEC work&nbsp;in the coming days,” Rehman said.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-gwadar-residents-protests-for-basic-rights-anger-against-chinas-one-belt-road-project-431139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When asked whether any official has contacted them, Rehman said, “Nobody in the provincial government has contacted us. Senior bureaucrats have been trying to contact us, but who do we talk to? This is all in control of the federal and provincial governments.”

On Thursday, a delegation sent by the Chief Minister of Balochistan returned empty-handed as the protesters refused to end their protest.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan Radio said that the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs will hold a meeting in Gwadar on Tuesday to deliberate upon different development projects in the port city.

China's presence in&nbsp;Balochistan has often triggered social unrest and gave rise to anti-Chinese sentiment.&nbsp;It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects.

In August this year,&nbsp;a suicide bomber attacked a motorcade carrying Chinese personnel on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in which one Chinese was injured and two local children were killed.

In October last year, gunmen killed at least 14 people near Ormara on the coastal highway after ambushing a convoy of vehicles travelling from Gwadar to Karachi and in 2019 five people, including a Pakistani Navy soldier, were killed in an attack on the luxury Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar.

The multi-billion infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state.

The authorities' priorities are geared towards securing the port and its ancillary interests; the welfare of those for whom the area is home counts for little. Far from the port being a harbinger of an economic boom, the opposite has happened, The Dawn newspaper reported on Friday.

Existing privations have deepened,&nbsp;people's mobility is restricted by security forces and there is unwarranted questioning of their activities. Many say they are made to feel like strangers in their own land, it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing.

Thousands of people have been staging a massive protest in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against the government for unnecessary check posts, acute shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihood from illegal fishing. The protests are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The sit-in protest is being organised by workers of some political parties, civil rights activists, fishermen and concerned citizens, who have been going on for a week at Y Chowk on Port Road in Gwadar, a coastal town in the restive Southwest Balochistan province. The protest is spearheaded by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar' rally. The protesters have been demanding the removal of unnecessary security check posts, availability of drinking water and electricity, eviction of Chinese trawlers from Makran coast and opening of the border with Iran from Panjgur to Gwadar, Pakistan based Jang newspaper reported. Talking to WION exclusively over the phone, Rehman said that they have been agitating to seek justice and jobs for their people. He accused the Pakistan government of being hand-in-glove with the Chinese trawlers who are threatening their livelihood by illegally fishing in the southwestern Makran coast. “Today (Monday) is our 8th day, we have been here since November 15 morning. Our demand is that we want jobs, this is our sea. Big trawlers have taken over our fishing area and are depriving the local fishermen of livelihood. The provincial and federal governments are backing these elements. Similarly, on the borders (near Iran), thousands of Baloch families are facing restrictions and are unable to do business. There are thousands of security check posts which are creating a hindrance,” Rehman said. He threatened to stop the CPEC work if the government failed to listen to them and meet their demands. “We, by the grace of God, will continue with our protest until all of our demands are met. We have people with us, thousands more are joining. If the government continues to ignore us, we will block the entire highway from Uthal zero point till Jiwani, and also block the entire Makran Coastal highway, and eventually expand our protest across Balochistan. We will also stage a protest in front of the Gwadar port and even stop the CPEC work in the coming days,” Rehman said. Watch When asked whether any official has contacted them, Rehman said, “Nobody in the provincial government has contacted us. Senior bureaucrats have been trying to contact us, but who do we talk to? This is all in control of the federal and provincial governments.” On Thursday, a delegation sent by the Chief Minister of Balochistan returned empty-handed as the protesters refused to end their protest. Meanwhile, Pakistan Radio said that the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs will hold a meeting in Gwadar on Tuesday to deliberate upon different development projects in the port city. China's presence in Balochistan has often triggered social unrest and gave rise to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects. In August this year, a suicide bomber attacked a motorcade carrying Chinese personnel on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in which one Chinese was injured and two local children were killed. In October last year, gunmen killed at least 14 people near Ormara on the coastal highway after ambushing a convoy of vehicles travelling from Gwadar to Karachi and in 2019 five people, including a Pakistani Navy soldier, were killed in an attack on the luxury Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar. The multi-billion infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state. The authorities' priorities are geared towards securing the port and its ancillary interests; the welfare of those for whom the area is home counts for little. Far from the port being a harbinger of an economic boom, the opposite has happened, The Dawn newspaper reported on Friday. Existing privations have deepened, people's mobility is restricted by security forces and there is unwarranted questioning of their activities. Many say they are made to feel like strangers in their own land, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Exclusive: Gwadar protesters threaten to stop CPEC work if govt fails to fulfil their demands

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24&nbsp;people and seriously injured about&nbsp; 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise.

Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed. Health workers treated the injured with the help of torches after electricity failed.

women and children were among the dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official, told AFP.

The remote mountainous city of Harnai in Balochistan was the worst hit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter hours after the tragedy.

"I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims &amp; for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief &amp; compensation. My condolences &amp; prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims &amp; for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief &amp; compensation. My condolences &amp; prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1445999017062699011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A military helicopter was used to transport critically injured to hospital.

The quake caused electricity to fail in the region, with health staff working without lights in a poorly equipped government hospital.

"We were operating without electricity with the help of torches and mobile flashlights," Zahoor Tarin, a senior official at the government-run Harnai hospital told AFP.&nbsp;

"Most of the injured came with fractured limbs. Dozens of people were sent back after first aid while some 40 people who were critically injured have been sent to Quetta in ambulances," he added.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck around 3am at a depth of around 20 kilometres (12 miles).&nbsp;

The earthquake was also felt in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta.

Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24 people and seriously injured about 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise.

A shallow earthquake in southern Pakistan in early hours of Thursday killed 24 people and seriously injured about 300. Magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7. The death toll is feared to rise. Many of the victims died when roofs and walls collapsed. Health workers treated the injured with the help of torches after electricity failed. women and children were among the dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, a senior provincial government official, told AFP. The remote mountainous city of Harnai in Balochistan was the worst hit. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter hours after the tragedy. "I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones.," he tweeted. I have ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai, Balochistan, earthquake victims & for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation. My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 7, 2021 × A military helicopter was used to transport critically injured to hospital. The quake caused electricity to fail in the region, with health staff working without lights in a poorly equipped government hospital. "We were operating without electricity with the help of torches and mobile flashlights," Zahoor Tarin, a senior official at the government-run Harnai hospital told AFP. "Most of the injured came with fractured limbs. Dozens of people were sent back after first aid while some 40 people who were critically injured have been sent to Quetta in ambulances," he added. The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck around 3am at a depth of around 20 kilometres (12 miles). The earthquake was also felt in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta. Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake in southern Pakistan kills 24, hundreds injured

In another weather alert, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecasted heavy rains with strong winds along the Makran coast and other parts of Balochistan. &nbsp;

In the latest advisory, the Met department of the country said the “severe cyclonic storm Shaheen moved west-northwestward during the last 12 hours” and was now at a distance of about 125 kilometres south of Gwadar, 250km southwest of Ormara and 470km west of Karachi. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shura-mujahideen-tehreek-e-taliban-pakistan-declare-20-day-truce-in-pakistans-north-south-waziristan-417642" hreflang="en">Shura Mujahideen, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan declare 20-day truce in Pakistan</a>

The department added that the storm was likely to keep moving west-northwestwards till Saturday evening and then recurve southwestward towards Oman northern coast. &nbsp;

The storm will bring widespread rain, wind-thunderstorms with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfalls in Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur districts of Balochistan till Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Met office has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till Sunday as it predicts “very rough” sea conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-pakistan-stop-aiding-terrorists-ever-416801" hreflang="en">Will Pakistan stop aiding terrorists ever? &nbsp;</a>

Heavy rains can also lead to urban flooding in Gwadar, Ormara, Pasni, Jiwani Turbat, while windstorms may cause damage to vulnerable structures along Makran coast, the department added in the advisory. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, the Sindh government on Thursday night announced that all educational institutions across the province would stay closed due to the storm. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In another weather alert, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecasted heavy rains with strong winds along the Makran coast and other parts of Balochistan.

In another weather alert, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecasted heavy rains with strong winds along the Makran coast and other parts of Balochistan. In the latest advisory, the Met department of the country said the “severe cyclonic storm Shaheen moved west-northwestward during the last 12 hours” and was now at a distance of about 125 kilometres south of Gwadar, 250km southwest of Ormara and 470km west of Karachi. Also Read: Shura Mujahideen, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan declare 20-day truce in Pakistan The department added that the storm was likely to keep moving west-northwestwards till Saturday evening and then recurve southwestward towards Oman northern coast. The storm will bring widespread rain, wind-thunderstorms with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfalls in Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur districts of Balochistan till Sunday. The Met office has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till Sunday as it predicts “very rough” sea conditions. Also Read: Will Pakistan stop aiding terrorists ever? Heavy rains can also lead to urban flooding in Gwadar, Ormara, Pasni, Jiwani Turbat, while windstorms may cause damage to vulnerable structures along Makran coast, the department added in the advisory. Earlier, the Sindh government on Thursday night announced that all educational institutions across the province would stay closed due to the storm. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Shaheen: Heavy rains to lash coastal areas in Pakistan’s Balochistan

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. &nbsp;

The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. &nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-has-now-begun-public-execution-what-are-global-leaders-saying-about-it-wion-usa-direct-415983/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. &nbsp;

The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-highest-inflation-rate-in-the-world-says-shehbaz-sharif-416016" hreflang="en">Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif</a>

In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-taliban-apologist-imran-khans-speech-at-unga-a-rant-mixed-with-lies-and-fiction-415951" hreflang="en">Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction</a>

Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official.

In an operation against terrorists, a top commander of the Islamic State group has been killed in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Sunday, said a counter terrorism official. The development comes hours after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Harnai district of the province, where four soldiers were killed and one hurt. Watch: × The security forces carried out a raid in a vineyard in Mastung district where ISIS commander Mumtaz Ahmed alias Pehelwan was killed, said Balochistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson. The Pakistani Government had also declared a reward of Pakistani Rs 200,000 (USD 1,180) on his head. Also Read: Pakistan has highest inflation rate in the world, says Shehbaz Sharif In recent months, there have been an uptick in attacks on security forces. Earlier, seven Pakistan Army soldiers and five terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan. While in a suicide attack near a check post on Quetta's Mastung Road, at least four Frontier Corps officials were killed and 18 others were hurt. Also Read | Decoding Taliban apologist Imran Khan's speech at UNGA: A rant mixed with lies and fiction Two Pakistan Army soldiers were also killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in North Waziristan. (With inputs from agencies)

Top ISIS commander in Balochistan killed, claim Pakistan security forces

On Sunday morning, a blast in the port city of Gwadar, Balochistan province, completely demolished a statue of Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

The statue, which was unveiled in June this year at Marine Drive, was blown up by placing an explosive device beneath it, according to a report in Pakistan's English newspaper Dawn.

According to reports, the blast was carried out by the Baloch Liberation Front.&nbsp;

The statue, which was placed on Marine Drive in June, is designated a safe zone.The blast entirely demolished the statue.&nbsp;

According to BBC Urdu, Babgar Baloch, a spokesman for the outlawed militant group Baloch Republican Army, claimed responsibility for the bomb on Twitter.

Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Major (retd) Abdul Kabir Khan said the case was being probed at the highest level.&nbsp;

"The demolition of Quaid-e-Azam's statue in #Gwadar is an attack on the ideology of Pakistan. I request authorities to punish the perpetrators in the same way as we did with those behind the attack on Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat," Balochistan’s former home minister and current Senator Sarfraz Bugti tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The demolition of Quaid-e-Azam's statue in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gwadar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gwadar</a> is an attack on Ideology of Pakistan. I request authorities to punish the perpetrators in the same way as we did with those behind the attack on Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat. <a href="https://t.co/BQeeZjsHg3">pic.twitter.com/BQeeZjsHg3</a>
— Senator Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakSarfrazbugti/status/1442040827996299268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jinnah, who was born on December 25, 1876, was the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the formation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.

After that, he served as Pakistan's first governor-general until 1948, when he died.&nbsp;

Since 1947, Balochistan, Pakistan's most unstable province on the southwestern border, has demanded political rights, autonomy, and territorial control.&nbsp;

For years, the Pakistan Army has been committing human rights crimes in Balochistan.

Over the years, the area has witnessed unspeakable atrocities, ranging from mass executions to kidnappings, torture, and eventually murder.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday morning, a blast in the port city of Gwadar, Balochistan province, completely demolished a statue of Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The statue, which was unveiled in June this year at Marine Drive, was blown up by placing an explosive device beneath it, according to a report in Pakistan's English newspaper Dawn.

On Sunday morning, a blast in the port city of Gwadar, Balochistan province, completely demolished a statue of Pakistan’s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The statue, which was unveiled in June this year at Marine Drive, was blown up by placing an explosive device beneath it, according to a report in Pakistan's English newspaper Dawn. According to reports, the blast was carried out by the Baloch Liberation Front. The statue, which was placed on Marine Drive in June, is designated a safe zone.The blast entirely demolished the statue. According to BBC Urdu, Babgar Baloch, a spokesman for the outlawed militant group Baloch Republican Army, claimed responsibility for the bomb on Twitter. Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Major (retd) Abdul Kabir Khan said the case was being probed at the highest level. "The demolition of Quaid-e-Azam's statue in #Gwadar is an attack on the ideology of Pakistan. I request authorities to punish the perpetrators in the same way as we did with those behind the attack on Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat," Balochistan’s former home minister and current Senator Sarfraz Bugti tweeted. The demolition of Quaid-e-Azam's statue in #Gwadar is an attack on Ideology of Pakistan. I request authorities to punish the perpetrators in the same way as we did with those behind the attack on Quaid-e-Azam residency in Ziarat. pic.twitter.com/BQeeZjsHg3 — Senator Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) September 26, 2021 × Jinnah, who was born on December 25, 1876, was the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until the formation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. After that, he served as Pakistan's first governor-general until 1948, when he died. Since 1947, Balochistan, Pakistan's most unstable province on the southwestern border, has demanded political rights, autonomy, and territorial control. For years, the Pakistan Army has been committing human rights crimes in Balochistan. Over the years, the area has witnessed unspeakable atrocities, ranging from mass executions to kidnappings, torture, and eventually murder. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan

In a statement, Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Project, where at least three people were killed, including two children, and two more were injured, as per reports. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s interior ministry said, an explosion targetted a convoy of vehicles carrying Chinese nationals on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in Balochistan on Friday evening. The wounded have been sent to a hospital in Gwadar for treatment.&nbsp;

The convoy comprised of four vehicles carrying Chinese nationals "with integral security details of Pakistan army and police contingent".&nbsp;

Extending its sincere sympathies to the injured of both countries, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the act of terrorism and expressed its deep condolences to the innocent victims in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The embassy has launched an emergency plan immediately and has demanded Pakistan to properly treat the wounded, conduct a thorough investigation on the attack and severely punish the perpetrators.&nbsp;

It also said, relevant departments at all levels in Pakistan must take practical and effective measures to accelerate to implement strengthened whole-process security measures and upgraded security cooperation mechanism to ensure that similar incidents will not happen again.&nbsp;

The embassy has also reminded the Chinese citizens in Pakistan to be vigilant, observe safety precautions, reduce unnecessary outings and take effective security protections.&nbsp;

In a statement, Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Project, where at least three people were killed, including two children, and two more were injured, as per reports.

In a statement, Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Project, where at least three people were killed, including two children, and two more were injured, as per reports. Pakistan’s interior ministry said, an explosion targetted a convoy of vehicles carrying Chinese nationals on the Gwadar East Bay Expressway project in Balochistan on Friday evening. The wounded have been sent to a hospital in Gwadar for treatment. The convoy comprised of four vehicles carrying Chinese nationals "with integral security details of Pakistan army and police contingent". Extending its sincere sympathies to the injured of both countries, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the act of terrorism and expressed its deep condolences to the innocent victims in Pakistan. The embassy has launched an emergency plan immediately and has demanded Pakistan to properly treat the wounded, conduct a thorough investigation on the attack and severely punish the perpetrators. It also said, relevant departments at all levels in Pakistan must take practical and effective measures to accelerate to implement strengthened whole-process security measures and upgraded security cooperation mechanism to ensure that similar incidents will not happen again. The embassy has also reminded the Chinese citizens in Pakistan to be vigilant, observe safety precautions, reduce unnecessary outings and take effective security protections.

Chinese Embassy in Pakistan condemns Balochistan attack, demands thorough investigation 

balochistan

Balochistan, News on Balochistan, stories on Balochistan, articles on Balochistan, Balochistan stories at Wion, Balochistan news, Balochistan latest news