PM Imran vows ‘strong action’ against illegal fishing by trawlers off Gwadar
Takes notice of ‘very legitimate’ demands of protesting Gwadar fishermen
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Prime Minister Imran Khan, while taking notice of protesting Gwadar fishermen’s demands, has vowed strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers off Gwadar in Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In a tweet uploaded on Sunday, the prime minister said he had taken notice of the demands of the fishermen in Gwadar, assuring that strict action would be taken against the illegal fishing by trawlers.
“I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers,” the prime minister said on Twitter.
Imran Khan also assured them that he will also speak to the Balochistan chief minister on the issue.
I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 12, 2021
The fishermen in Gwadar had been protesting against the devastating impact of illegal fishing by trawlers along the coast on the livelihoods of local fishermen.
The prime minister's tweet came after a series of protests by the local fishermen in Gwadar, who had taken to the streets to raise their voices for their rights.
Gwadar has seen protests for the past few weeks, sometimes featuring thousands of women with young children, speaking out against the large trawlers hurting their livelihood.
Locals say the trawlers, which are illegally plundering the Arabian seabed, are making it harder for the fishermen to fish in the waters.
Despite protests from local fishermen about the fishing fleets, they have received no response from the Gwadar Development Authority or the Balochistan government.
It may be mentioned here that a few days ago Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo had directed a complete ban on illegal fishing trawlers as the Directorate of Fisheries Balochistan had been permanently shifted to Gwadar from Quetta.
According to reports, the Directorate of Fisheries has also been immediately shifted from Quetta to Gwadar to resolve the problems being faced by the local fishermen who are protesting for the past three weeks along with other local residents of Gwadar and Lasbela districts.
The token system for fishermen was also abolished, whereby the fishermen could enter into sea without any permission.