KARACHI – Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken notice of ongoingdemonstrations by the people in the southwestern province and orderedstrong steps against illegal fishing off the Gwadar coast.
Following month-long protests, the premier on Sunday addressed amuch-awaited announcement on Twitter.
“I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworkingfishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishingby trawlers and will also speak to Chief Minister Balochistan,” the tweetreads.
Khan also mentioned speaking with Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul QuddusBizenjo to address reservations of the Balochistan fisher community.
The development comes after fishermen in the port city on the southwesterncoast of Balochistan staged protests against the devastating impact ofillegal fishing by trawlers along the coast on the livelihoods of localfishermen.
The local fishermen accuse fishing companies of being involved in illegalfishing which affected their key source of income.
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Multiple rounds of talks between the Balochistan government and theprotesters earlier failed as the agitators said they will not end theirprotest on mere promises.
The protestors also mentioned the provision of potable water to thecitizens, civic amenities, employment opportunities for locals, and theremoval of unnecessary security checkpoints in the region.
Gwadar, a city located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, is the key seaportcurrently operated by China, which seeks to gain direct access to theIndian Ocean via Gwadar in line with its $64 billion CPEC mega-project.
