GWADAR: In a late-night development on Thursday, Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) chief Maulana Hidayatur Rehman called off a sit-in staged near Sarbandan at the Makran Coastal Highway, the group’s spokesperson said in a statement.

The sit-in, which stopped the traffic on the main road connecting Karachi to Gwadar, has been “postponed” for a week due to the difficulties faced by transporters, passengers and the ongoing religious congregation in Turbat.

The statement said a sit-in would be staged at Pasni on September 11 and at Zero Point, Ormara, on September 19. “If our demands are not met, a big sit-in will be staged for an indefinite period,” the spokesperson added.

Earlier, HDT held a sit-in on the coastal highway, which affected trade with Iran and suspended traffic between Gwadar and other areas of Balochistan.

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Mr Rehman and HDT chairman Hussian Vadela led a rally from Gwadar and after reaching the highway, the protesters, hundreds in number, held a sit-in.

A large number of passenger coaches, trucks, and other vehicles have been stranded on the highway due to the protest announced by Mr Rehman last week.

The trade with Iran through Gabd and other entry points at the border was also impacted.

HDT leaders announced the protest last week against the alleged interference of army personnel in Gwadar’s civic affairs.

They also demanded that all transfers and postings of government officers should be made in consultation with public representatives.

The group’s other demands included a ban on illegal trawling in Balochistan waters and allowing free trade with Iran through Kontani Hoar crossing point.

They also sought the recovery of all missing persons belonging to Gwadar district.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024