09 Sep 2024 | 05:24 AM UTC
Pakistan: Activists to hold weekly protest and highway blockades in Gwadar District, Balochistan Province, Sept. 12
Protest, blockades planned in Gwadar District, Pakistan, Sept. 12. Increased security, localized disruptions likely. Violence possible.
Supporters of the Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan party will hold a sit-in protest and road blockades at Pasni Zero Point in Gwadar District, Balochistan Province, Sept. 12. Organizers are holding weekly protests at various sites along National Highway 10 (N-10 or Makran Coastal Highway) since Sept. 5 demanding action over various longstanding issues such as a perceived lack of local autonomy, alleged excesses by security forces, utility shortages, trade restrictions, and illegal trawling. A few hundred people are likely to participate, though previous prominent rallies by the party have attracted several thousand people.
Additional rallies are possible at various locations, especially in Gwadar City. Popular gathering sites include entrances and access roads to Gwadar Port, Gwadar International Airport (GWD), Gwadar East Bay Expressway, Lala Hameed Chowk, and military facilities. Further demonstrations, including localized shutdown strikes, street marches, and additional blockades, are possible in the coming days. Potential protest venues include construction sites, government buildings, press clubs, markets, and/or public squares. Sit-ins may be extended indefinitely at short notice, prompting prolonged travel delays along interprovincial highways.
Tight security curbs are in place across Balochistan Province following multiple attacks by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) late Aug. 25, including on security facilities in parts of Gwadar District. Haq Do Tehreek activists have displayed arms in earlier demonstrations, though the organization has not demonstrated capabilities to breach security arrangements to stage attacks. However, opportunistic militant attacks are possible, with security forces and Chinese interests the primary targets of armed groups active in the region.
Authorities will monitor any rallies that materialize and may attempt to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Protesters may engage in arson, vandalism, and attacks on vehicles trying to navigate roadblocks. Enhanced security measures, such as road closures or temporary restrictions on public movement and telecommunication services, cannot be ruled out. The tightest security measures are likely in and around residential areas of Chinese workers; security convoys may also escort vehicles ferrying Chinese nationals. Clashes between activists and police are possible. Further localized business disruptions and shipping delays may occur.
Avoid all demonstrations due to possible violence. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks, as protesters may react violently. Avoid large concentrations of security personnel and other sensitive sites that are potential terror targets. Plan for localized business and transport disruptions, especially near the main rally site along the N-10 highway. Confirm business appointments, road status, and shipping schedules. Use alternative shipping methods for time-sensitive freight. Follow all instructions from security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic embassy for updated advisories on any targeted security threats.
The Haq Do Tehreek party has been demonstrating periodically in Gwadar over demands to prohibit deep sea trawling, withdrawing restrictions on informal trade along the border with Iran, as well as reducing security check posts in the region. The outfit notably staged prolonged rallies in November 2021 and November 2023, with significant localized disruptions and sporadic violence. Recurrent unrest is likely, while the terror threat remains high across Balochistan Province.
