The sit in organized by ‘Haqq Do Tehreek’ has attracted both the society and the authorities. Local residents particularly those whose livelihood rests on trade and transport have supported the demands of the movement. Most of the people opine that if trade would be given free at the Territorial border between Pakistan and Iran. Then the residents of Gwadar city and its suburbs. Who have long been victims of poverty and unemployment will be economically free.
In reverse, the disturbance brought by the agitation has drawn out altogether different views. Some are in favor to support the cause while some feel annoyed. Especially the passengers caught up on the storm. When traveling on Makran Coastal Highway. The important transport. And trade route connecting Gwadar with other parts of Pakistan has been through this highway. Which has proved very disastrous where both business. And ordinary journeys are concerned as it had to be blocked.
Outward Trade Forecast and Demand Brief Gwadar
Demand of the protesters for ready-made clothes within Pakistan trade with Iran can bring repercussions with pushing borders of regional trade. The free trading zones which are meant to operate here remain dormant and there are restrictions and other regulatory requirements regarding the regions of the border that incorporates trade and commerce and those are pretty much unexplored wherein relaxing these restrictions will unveil new opportunities and markets to local traders. This, in turn, might assist Gwadar in the realization of its dreams of becoming a key economic center owing to the One Road One Belt Initiative which will incorporate with CPEC.
Political Impact Gwadar
The insistence of the members of the residents’ groups on the need to involve them in decisions on transfer and posting of public servants adds a political angle to the complaint. It accentuates the increasing conflict between local political leaders and the top leadership concerning leadership in the area. If implemented, this request would seem to promote decentralization in governance and perhaps increase the power of the local politicians but this may hinder the ability of the administration to implement certain policies across the entire province.
The Future Is Now
As the sit-in persists, the pressure on the government to talk to the sit-in occupants and answer their demands increases. Resolution of these issues will most likely take some time as a give-and-take of economic, political. And security aspects to achieve consensus would have to be performed. With all these adversities and threats to the region’s development in mind, the next few days will be critical regarding the outcome of the protest and whether it would induce productive changes in Gwadar or lead escalating protests instead.
