Protest in Gwadar: Transporters Demand Justice from Pakistani Coast Guard

A sit-in protest in Gwadar, Pakistan, has entered its fifth day, causing significant disruptions in the region. The protest is led by the local transporter union and began due to alleged misconduct by the Pakistani Coast Guard. Authorities have failed to address the group’s grievances, even after an ultimatum expired.

As tensions rise, several major highways, including the Makran Coastal Highway and key routes along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), remain blocked. This has created chaos in Gwadar, with long lines of vehicles stranded on critical trade and transport routes. Hundreds of travelers and transporters are left helpless, caught between frustrated locals and an indifferent administration.

One demonstrator said, “We’ve been protesting for three days, but the administration refuses to listen to us,” reflecting the growing resentment among residents. The local transporter alliance, representing local drivers and transporters, has raised serious concerns over mistreatment by the Pakistani Coast Guard. Despite multiple attempts to negotiate, authorities have ignored their demands, worsening the situation.

In response, protesters have vowed to intensify their sit-in, warning that the responsibility for the continued disruption lies with district authorities. The local transporter union, joined by the Border Trade Union, is protesting against what they describe as inappropriate behavior and harassment by the Coast Guard toward local traders. They accuse authorities of treating them unjustly and demand immediate government action.

The standoff highlights another failure of Pakistan’s authorities to address local issues, especially in Balochistan, a region already plagued by neglect and unrest. The government’s inability to manage such crises threatens to erode public trust further, raising questions about Islamabad’s governance in its restive provinces.