Gwadar is considered the most important center of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the last few years, projects worth billions of dollars were started here. Ports, roads and many major construction works were done. The government and China call it a big project for the economic future of Pakistan.
But local people say that they did not get the benefits of these projects. According to him, huge development works have taken place in the city, but the life of common people remains the same as before. There is still a problem of water and electricity in many areas. Employment opportunities are also limited. That’s why people feel that development is not happening for them, but for outside companies and the government.
Was Gwadar built to reduce the congestion in Karachi?
The Government of Pakistan has been saying for a long time that the development of Gwadar Port is necessary so that the increasing pressure on Karachi Port can be reduced. But critics say that this argument does not seem completely correct.
According to data, only 34,000 tonnes of goods were traded at Gwadar port in 2024. Whereas in 2023, only 17 ships reached here in the entire year. On the other hand, almost 99 percent of Pakistan’s maritime trade still happens through Karachi and Port Qasim.
Critics say that how can a port which receives very few ships be a solution to the problems of a busy port like Karachi. Therefore, he believes that calling the Gwadar project merely an economic necessity does not show the whole picture.
Plan to build naval base
Now Pakistan Navy is working on the plan of a big naval base in Gwadar. The Navy says that this is necessary for national security and security of Gwadar port. Through this, sea routes and important investments can be protected.
However, critics say that the reasons given by the government and the army do not mention the needs of the local people. Official documents talk about security, trade and strategic interests, but there is not much discussion on the local community, employment, environment and people’s consent.
The biggest question is whether the people of Gwadar were asked whether they wanted a large naval base with a capacity of about 20 warships on their coastline or not. Local activists say that no such extensive public consultation was conducted.
The movement is going on since 2021
There have been several major protests in Gwadar since November 2021. Initially it was considered a movement on issues related to water, electricity and fishing. But with time this movement turned into a demand for political rights.
The protesters say that they are not against development. They want that there should be development, but there should be such development in which the local people participate and they also get benefits from it.
They blocked Makran Coastal Highway several times and took out rallies. They allege that the government is using their land, sea and resources, but does not involve them in decision making.
Fishermen got legal identity
A major success of the Haq Do Tehreek movement was that under its pressure, fishermen in Pakistan got legal recognition as workers. This recognition was given in accordance with the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Apart from this, the leader of the movement Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman reached the assembly. With this, for the first time the voice of the fishermen community directly reached the political system.
Yet local people say that the real problem still persists. He alleges that major decisions related to the future of Gwadar are still being taken without him.
Safety is priority, people’s concerns are behind
The article says that the model adopted in Gwadar is based on the thinking of “security first”. In this, utmost importance is being given to the security of trade routes, Chinese investment, CPEC projects and Pakistan Navy.
On the other hand, the concerns of local fishermen, coastal communities and families who fear that they may lose their land or employment due to new projects are getting less importance. Critics say that the government’s priority has become strategic interests rather than the safety and well-being of local people.
There may be another way
Experts believe that there can be another model of development of Gwadar. In this model, the needs of the local people should be met first. Problems like water, electricity, health, education and employment should be solved. After this, big development projects should be taken forward.
In this model, it will also be necessary that before starting any big project, consent of the local people should be taken and they should be made a part of the decision. Supporters say that this process will definitely be slow, but it will increase people’s confidence and will also bring stability in the long run.
the biggest question
Legally, Pakistan Navy does not need the approval of local fishermen to build a naval base. But critics say that ignoring people’s opinion in a sensitive area like Balochistan can create more tension in the future.
He says that the question is not just whether Pakistan needs better naval facilities in the Arabian Sea or not. The real question is whether the government will make the people of Gwadar a partner in development or not. Local people believe that if common citizens are not the center of development, even big projects will not be able to bring lasting peace and prosperity.
Also read: How many ships passed through Hormuz before the war, will the situation improve?
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