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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday morning took notice of the “very legitimate” 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.
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 prime minister also assured them to also speak to Chief Minister Balochistan, Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, on the issue.
The prime minister’s tweet was followed by a series of protests by locals in Gwadar, who had taken to the streets to raise their voices for their rights.
Protestors from Gwadar, Turbat, Pishkan, Zamran, Buleda, Ormara and Pasni are taking part in the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement). They have vowed to continue their protest till their demands are met.
Gwadar has seen protests for the past few weeks, sometimes featuring thousands of women with young children, speaking out against the large trawlers.
Led by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, the people of the port city launched the ‘Gwadar ko haq do’ movement 26 days ago.
The participants of the procession started their march from Seratun-Nabi Chowk, carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans in support of their demands. They were chanting slogans against the provincial government.
Locals have asserted that the trawlers, which are illegally plundering the Arabian seabed, were making it harder for fishermen to fish in the waters. Fishing is one of the main sources of income for residents of the area.
“It has become tough to run the kitchen now,” Rehana Gul, one of the protestors, had told journalists, “In the last three or four years, there have been days when my husband, who is a fisherman, has come back empty-handed with no money to feed our children.”