Gwadar, a key coastal city in Pakistan and the centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), continues to face a severe lack of basic infrastructure and facilities. Despite its strategic importance, the residents of Gwadar are still deprived of fundamental necessities such as clean drinking water, quality education, and reliable healthcare. These issues have become significant roadblocks to the region’s development, raising questions about the promises made in the name of progress.
The city’s roads remain incomplete, hospitals lack essential medical services, and schools are in disrepair. Residents often queue for water in dire conditions, while elected representatives prioritize personal interests over public welfare. The development initiatives tied to CPEC, which could serve as a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, face unnecessary opposition—hindering both local growth and national progress. This resistance, instead of fostering constructive dialogue, weakens the overall narrative of economic rejuvenation and inadvertently strengthens anti-state sentiments.
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One prominent political figure in Gwadar is Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch, who hails from the coastal area of Sar Bandar. On February 28, 2024, he assumed his role as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from PB-24 Gwadar, contesting on the platform of the “Haq Do Tehreek.” While he campaigned with promises of ensuring the rights of Gwadar’s people, his tenure so far has failed to bring meaningful change. Rather than addressing the pressing issues of the region, his politics appear centered on protests, slogans, and rhetoric.
Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman often leads opposition to state-led development initiatives, which critics argue arises from his fear that progress could reduce his political influence. Political grandstanding has diverted focus from resolving core issues like water shortages, education, and healthcare, leaving the people of Gwadar struggling for basic rights.
The situation raises a critical question for Gwadar’s residents: Who will truly address their needs and ensure access to fundamental services? Amid promises of development and political maneuvering, the people of Gwadar question whether real change will transform their city or if it will continue to suffer from unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities.
