Dear Baloch People,
Gwadar stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Balochistan’s people. From repelling Portuguese imperialism under the leadership of Mir Hammal Kalmati to its modern-day significance, Gwadar has remained a pivotal point in global geopolitics.
Throughout history, from Alexander to Muhammad bin Qasim, from colonial powers like the Portuguese to contemporary giants like China, America, and Russia, the world’s gaze has been fixed on Gwadar. Its deep-sea port has made it a crucial hub in international trade, as affirmed by the US Geological Survey’s designation of Gwadar as an ideal location for a modern, deep-water port.
Yet, today, the reality for Baloch people in Gwadar is grim. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has transformed Gwadar into a restricted zone, serving the interests of China and Pakistan at the expense of the local population. The initiation of CPEC has led to widespread violence, extrajudicial arrests, and killings, targeting women, children, the elderly, and youths alike. The youth of Gwadar have become casualties of Chinese and Pakistani occupation, while fishermen face economic ruin under the guise of development.
CPEC may promise economic prosperity for Pakistan and China, but for the Baloch nation, it spells nothing but oppression and displacement. The project threatens to inundate Gwadar with millions of foreign settlers, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and marginalization. The so-called “Safe City” initiative only serves to further this oppressive agenda, raising questions about whom it truly aims to protect.
Conscious Baloch People,
The collaboration between occupying and imperialist states to subjugate a nation is unprecedented. History is replete with examples, from the Roman Empire to colonial powers like Britain, France, and Portugal, where the interests of the oppressed were sacrificed for the benefit of the oppressor. Yet, the spirit of resistance that once drove the people of Gwadar to defy Portuguese and Omani occupation still burns bright.
The encirclement of Gwadar is not a sign of strength but of fear on the part of the occupying forces. It reflects their apprehension in the face of the unwavering resolve of the Baloch people, heirs to the legacy of Sayed Zahoor Shah Hashumi and Abdul Majeed Gwadari.
Sons and Daughters of Balochistan,
The Baloch nation has a long history of resistance against exploitation and occupation. It is time for every Baloch, whether a laborer, fisherman, shepherd, teacher, student, trader, artist, writer, or member of any other class, to unite and confront this conspiracy. Let us revive the spirit of Hammal-e-Jehand and reject the puppeteers and collaborators who betray our homeland for their own gain.
Baloch National Movement (BNM)
