GWADAR: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Balochistan chief Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch warned on Sunday that any attempt to place Gwadar under federal administration or impose top-down decisions by the establishment would face strong resistance from the local population and political forces.

Addressing a press conference at the Gwadar Press Club, he maintained that ongoing discussions in official circles and on social media regarding the creation of new provinces or placing specific territories under federal control were “merely tactics” by the establishment to gauge public reaction.

Describing the current political situation as a “dictatorship” despite the existence of elected assemblies, Mr Baloch claimed crucial national matters were being manipulated through proxy discussions rather than being brought before parliament.

JI Balochistan chief says any such move will face resistance from locals, political forces

He emphasised that the people of Gwadar outright rejected decisions imposed at gunpoint or through proxy representatives.

‘Tools for humiliation’

He also criticised security posts across the region and alleged that they had become tools for public humiliation rather than providing actual security.

“I will abolish all unnecessary security posts within 24 hours if made chief minister of Balochistan even for one day,” Mr Baloch claimed, adding that humiliation and harassment faced by passengers, students and other people had become the order of the day.

Mr Baloch, who is also an MPA, said his party remained committed to a peaceful, democratic path to fight for public rights both on the streets and inside the assembly.

He noted that forming new districts or administrative uni­ts was acceptable if done thro­ugh consensus and parliamentary approval, but federating Gwadar was a conspiratorial move that would be opposed.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2026