Gwadar protests: The way forward.

Since the Gwadar protests have enAtered the second phase, all roads to the solution go through the Balochistan government and the federal government as well the leadership of the Gwadar protests. It is a matter between the protestors and both governments that should be sorted out without any delay of time.

More procrastination inAcreases the chances given to non-state actors to unleash a new chapter of demonising Pak-China reAlations, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port. This is already evidenced with the fact that protests were also held in other parts of Gwadar including Pishkan, Zamran, Turbat, Pasni, Buleda, and Ormara, but these were not covered. This act exhibAits the reality that they have nothing to do with the problems of protestors. And when protestors besieged Gwadar port and allegedly stated that the China-drivAen Gwadar port's development did not engender trickle down effects on their daily lives, stories flashed that China alAlegedly sold empty dreams to locals at the expense of its gains.

Since the day Prime Minister ShahAbaz Sharif restored the real pace of CPEC within six months and shifted Pak-China relations in top gear, particAularly after his successful meeting with President Xi Jinping on the heels of the conclusion of the 20th CPC national congress in Beijing, international playAers have been galvanised to paint progAress of CPEC and Gwadar port negaAtively. Problems come and go between people and the government but it does not mean that they are forever daggers drawn. Their interests and gains are for Pakistan. No power may drive a wedge between them. Both believe that if canAdid efforts are put into force Gwadar Port is a game changer for local people as well as the rest of Pakistan.

Let sagacity prevail. It is high time that government bigwigs must sit down with protestors' leadership and find a way to settle down all grey areas once and for all with a complete sense of seAriousness besides identifying the flaws to know why promises made during the first phase of Gwadar protests could not be materialized and hold liable those who failed to do so. I believe that there are few black sheep in the ranks of government or maybe among proAtestors that botched the harmony and sparked the way for the second phase of Gwadar protests.

If all is observed in a holistic and pragAmatic style, my understanding asks many questions. Is there any way forAward or solution for the Gwadar proAtests erupting a...