Moulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch Criticizes Governance Issues in Gwadar and Pledges Accountability

Gwadar:Moulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, the Provincial Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) of Gwadar, has expressed concerns over the growing issues in Gwadar, including the abductions of youth, illegal trawling, border closures, and the deteriorating state of health and education sectors. Speaking at a press conference at the Gwadar Press Club, Moulana Baloch highlighted that while Gwadar is the center of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), its residents remain deprived of basic services.

He pointed out that, despite the federal government’s investment in Gwadar, such as the construction of an international airport with billions of dollars in funding and the development of 1500 kilometers of modern roads under CPEC, the city has yet to see any improvements in infrastructure such as roads. He emphasized that Gwadar faces a host of serious issues, but the most pressing is the abduction of young people, with many missing cases, leaving their families in distress.

Moulana Baloch further criticized the illegal trawling that continues to threaten the livelihoods of local fishermen and said that his efforts to tackle this issue have not been fully successful yet. He also expressed frustration over the closure of borders, which he argued has a significant impact on the local economy and people’s livelihoods.

He reaffirmed his commitment to resolving public issues, including the timely completion of ongoing projects in Gwadar, and revealed that the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has guaranteed progress on their projects by April 30.

In terms of disaster response, Moulana Baloch stated that the affected landowners in Gwadar due to the recent floods have been provided with reconstruction of embankments, ensuring transparency in the process. He also emphasized the need to ensure water availability in Gwadar, and efforts are underway to complete the Jiwani pipeline project while providing water to areas with no water supply through tractors.

Regarding the power sector, he mentioned efforts to improve the electricity system and eliminate outstanding dues and unjustified billing, which has been supported by both government and opposition members in the assembly.

As his one-year term as an MPA approaches, Moulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch announced that he would take his performance to the public for accountability. On February 8, he will hold a public court to seek feedback from the people of Gwadar and present himself for self-accountability.

In response to questions, Moulana Baloch expressed his support for the All Parties Alliance (APA) protests, declaring that their demands are justified, and he will join their sit-in shortly. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of local government institutions and announced plans to focus on improving their performance at the ward level.