Pak: Protests erupt in Balochistan Gwadar Against Continuous Water Shortage

Defense News ,Pakistan & Balochistan :- In a recent wave of demonstrations in Baluchistan, Pakistan, the inhabitants of Pasni, a tehsil in the Gwadar district, rallied to protest the persistent water scarcity plaguing their region, as reported by the Baluchistan Post.

The protest, predominantly led by women, brought vehicular movement to a temporary standstill as demonstrators gathered outside the Assistant Commissioner office in Pasni to voice their concerns.

Expressing deep apprehension over the prolonged water crisis affecting the city, the protesters demanded an immediate restoration of water supply. They attributed the scarcity to the disconnection of electricity from the Department of Public Health water supply stations by QESCO Pasni, the local electricity provider. The reported reason was the non-payment of substantial bills, as disclosed by the Baluchistan Post.

The demonstrators decried the perceived inaction of both QESCO Pasni and the Department of Public Health, leaving Pasni residents without water for over a week. Consequently, the community had to heavily rely on water tankers for their daily needs, disrupting their normal routines.

According to the Baluchistan Post, Vice Chairman of the Municipal Committee Pasni, Faheem Ali Johar, echoed the sentiments of the protesters. He emphasized the existence of an artificial water crisis, characterizing it as a critical issue adversely affecting Pasni residents.

Johar expressed concern over the escalating dependence on water tankers and stressed the urgent need to address the crisis. Furthermore, he warned of potential heightened protests involving local councillors if the situation remained unattended.

Calling for immediate government intervention, Johar urged mediation between QESCO Pasni and the Department of Public Health. He emphasized the necessity of formulating a long-term solution to ensure consistent water provision in the area.

The incident in Pasni adds to the ongoing series of protests in Baluchistan, ranging from demonstrations against forced disappearances to human rights violations, now extending to include grievances related to water shortages.