Protests in Gwadar: Demands for Reopening Iranian Border and Better Services

In Gwadar, Pakistan, life has been disrupted as workers and supporters of the All Parties Alliance continue their protest at Marine Drive. The sit-in has lasted over a week, with demands to reopen the Iranian border for oil and goods trade, which has been closed for months. Protest leaders stress that border trade is vital for Gwadar's residents, many of whom have lost jobs due to the closure.

The protesters criticize the token system at the Kantani Hor border, which they say hinders trade and increases unemployment. They demand its removal and the restoration of free border trade. Additionally, they highlight the poor state of essential services in Gwadar, a key city in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, citing lack of electricity and clean water as injustices to locals.

Accusations have been made against the Pakistan Coast Guard for blocking local oil trade vehicles at the Talaar checkpoint, causing economic and social hardships. Rehmat Saleh Baloch, a leader of the National Party, supports the protest, criticizing government policies that restrict border trade and movement of goods, leading to a financial crisis in the Makran division.

Baloch urges the government to lift trade restrictions and reopen the border to help locals regain their livelihoods. The protesters are determined to continue their sit-in until their demands, including solutions to electricity and water shortages, are met.