The Gwadar Port expansion project has been alleged by local communities, fishermen, and experts of causing a range of negative impacts. According to reports, the construction of the port and supporting infrastructure has altered the coastal and marine ecosystems, leading to the degradation of marine habitats and affecting the area’s rich marine biodiversity. At the same time, local residents feel they have lacked sufficient opportunities for participation and consultation in the environmental impact assessment, mitigation measures, and project decision-making processes. The expansion project is further alleged to have encroached on traditional fishing grounds, while infrastructure such as the Eastbay Expressway has made it more difficult for fishermen to go out to sea, resulting in a decline in catch volumes and income; some fishermen have been forced to switch to other jobs with unstable incomes. Local residents and experts also believe that new roads and other infrastructure have disrupted the existing drainage system, increasing the risk of stormwater accumulation, rising groundwater levels, and flooding during heavy rains, which has led to deteriorating living conditions, property damage, and displacement of residents in some areas.

Business and Human Rights Centre had reached out to the operator of Gwadar Port, China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., for response. They did not respond.