Gwadar politician threatens sit-in over military intervention

Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, member of the Gwadar Provincial Assembly and leader of the Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) movement, has announced plans to stage a sit-in on the Coastal Road from September 5. Rehman condemned the alleged involvement of the military in local government affairs, Dawn News reported on Sunday.

At a press conference in Quetta, Rehman alleged that military personnel were directing operations in key government departments in his constituency, including education, health and public health engineering. He alleged that officers of the ranks of colonel and brigadier were particularly influential in appointments in the education sector, and took control of crucial posts such as headmistress at Surbandar Girls’ School.

The HDT leader criticized the current security spending of PKR 180 billion, saying it has failed to ensure the safety of citizens. Rehman alleged that the armed forces’ interference in politics and governance is exacerbating the problems in the region. Other political parties are expected to rally behind his movement, which aims to end military interference, restore electricity, tackle the trawler mafia and tackle unemployment.

Expressing grave concerns over the trawler mafia, Rehman accused it of monopolizing 70% of Gwadar’s waters and illegally catching fish worth PKR 200-250 billion. The mafia’s activities, he said, have devastated local fishermen and damaged the marine ecosystem. Despite repeated appeals to the government, Rehman noted, the problem remains unresolved.

(With input from agencies.)