GWADAR: At least two workers were killed and five others injured during a violent clash between Pakistan Coast Guards personnel and workers in the Machin Kapar (Kuntani) area of Pasni, near the Pak-Iran border.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the area following an attack two days earlier, when unidentified armed assailants on a speedboat targeted a Pakistan Coast Guards patrol in the same area, killing two personnel.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Coast Guards suspended all business activities through Kuntani port indefinitely, citing security concerns.

According to local sources, tensions escalated when Coast Guards personnel attempted to establish a permanent check post in Machin Kapar on Monday morning. Workers associated with the Iranian oil trade, many of whom belong to different districts of Sindh and Balochistan, reportedly tried to resume their business operations despite the restrictions.

The situation initially led to a heated exchange of words before turning violent. Witnesses reported that firing took place during the confrontation.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026