ISLAMABAD: The provincial administration of Balochistan imposed a ban on large gatherings in Pakistan’s southwestern port city of Gwadar on Wednesday after a policeman was killed in a clash with protesters day before who said they were seeking their basic rights.

Gwardar is central to a $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where workers from Beijing have been involved in the development of the port on the Arabian Sea. According to the residents of the area, the Chinese investment in their city has done little to improve their lives, particularly with regards to water scarcity and employment opportunities.

Protests against the lack of basic facilities first started in November 2021 under the banner of “Give Gwadar its Rights” but dissipated after the government negotiated with demonstrators and promised to meet their demands. Around two months ago, these protests broke out again and remained peaceful but on Monday, police arrested at least 18 demonstrators they said were trying to block the Gwadar Expressway and moving toward the port.

The Balochistan Police also said a constable was killed on Tuesday when protesters fired directly at uniformed personnel in Gwadar.

“The Government of Balochistan, in exercise of powers conferred under Sub-Section (6) of Section 144 [Code of Criminal Procedure] 1898, is pleased to impose complete ban on ‘display/use of weapons, gatherings (sit-in and processions/rallies) of five or more than five persons’ in District Gwadar with immediate effect for a period of one month,” said an official notification issued by the province’s home department.

Balochistan’s home minister Meer Zia Ullah Langau maintained in a Twitter post that local forces had tried to peacefully deal with the protest in the city, though the writ of the state had been challenged.

“Every democratic process will be supported but within the constitution,” he added.

Protest leader Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman previously accused the state of using force to end what he said was a peaceful protest in Gwadar. He said an operation had been launched against the innocent people of Gwadar.

“The provincial government is oblivious to the situation in Gwadar. If the state is doing the right thing, why did they suspend Internet and mobile services in Gwadar,” he asked in a video statement.

Rehman also vowed to carry on his struggle for the rights of the people of Gwadar.