Residents of the port city of Gwadar, Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, observed a complete shutterdown strike on 13 Oct, to protest against an ongoing water crisis. The strike was called by the All Parties and Traders Association, and all banks and commercial centers in the city remained closed.
Reportedly, All Parties stated that, the water crisis in Gwadar was created by the illegitimate Public Health Department and the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA). Despite giving a 48-hour ultimatum, water was not provided by both organizations.
The protesters said that the citizens of Gwadar have not been provided with water for a month. They accused the administration of Gwadar of not taking the issue seriously. “If the water crisis is not resolved, we will be forced to protest strongly,” the protesters said.
The water crisis in Gwadar is not new. The city has been facing water shortages for several years, but the problem has worsened in recent months. It has a serious impact on the lives of the people of Gwadar. Pakistan Army has taken no concrete steps so far and the plight of the innocent Baloch is falling on deaf ears.
They are trapped and are enduring inhumane conditions and violence by the Pakistan Army in their own homeland. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian rule of Pakistan Army, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.