Clashes Erupt in Gwadar Amid Baloch Nationalist Protests

Protesters in Gwadar, led by the nationalist ethnic Baloch movement, attacked security forces, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuring 16 others. The movement, demanding the release of detained members, claims the army used excessive force. The unrest coincides with a major foreign investors' visit to the region.

Protesters in Gwadar under the nationalist ethnic Baloch movement clashed with security forces, resulting in one soldier's death and injuries to 16 others.

The Baloch movement, active for the past two days, blocked a highway to press for the release of detained members. The army reports unprovoked assaults leading to the casualties.

Balochistan's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti labeled the protest a conspiracy against an upcoming delegation of foreign investors, while offering talks to ensure peace. Gwadar's development forms part of a $65 billion Chinese investment under President Xi Jinping's Road and Belt initiative.

(With inputs from agencies.)