Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday heeded the “very legitimate demands” of “Gwadar fishermen” as protests by locals in the port city for their basic rights entered its 28th day.
The protest, which began about a month ago, was witnessed by thousands of people, including women and children, as well as fishermen. procession In support of their agitation on the main streets and streets of Gwadar on Friday. Their demands range from the presence of large fishing trawlers encroaching on their livelihoods to lack of health facilities and drinking water.
Led by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Balochistan general secretary Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, the protesters have vowed to continue their protest till the achievement of their rights.
The Prime Minister tweeted today that he has taken note of the “legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar”, adding that the authorities will take “stern action against illegal fishing by trawlers”.
He said that he will also talk to the Chief Executive Officer of the state in this matter.
Rahman, who is leading Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give rights to the Gwadar movement) had told don.com The protests will continue till the acceptance of two major demands out of the total 19 demands – action against the “trawler mafia” and resolution of the issues on the Iran border.
Meanwhile, on December 6, the Director General of Public Relations of Balochistan issued a list, available with don.com, which shows the progress made so far on the demands of the protestors.
The demands and progress made according to the officials are as follows:
- End of illegal trawlers Office of the Directorate General of Fisheries moved to Gwadar and patrolling increased to check illegal trawlers
- Freedom for fishermen to go to sea: Ending the special token system for going to sea. Fishermen are now allowed to go without permission
- Removal of unnecessary checkposts on major roads All unnecessary checkposts removed
- Liquor shops closed in Gwadar All liquor shops closed on the instructions of the government
- Elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran: Eliminating all forms of interference and establishing border trade markets
- Establishment of a University in Gwadar: Appointment of Vice Chancellor of Gwadar University, classes start soon
- Appointment on vacant seats of non-teaching staff of Education Department: Selection process for appointment complete, officers sent for appointment
- Prohibition on sale of counterfeit medicines: Inspection of Gwadar’s medical store completed
- Discounts and Subsidies on Utility Bills: Policy on the issue will be clear soon, Chief Minister wrote a letter to Quetta Electric Supply Company
- Release of cars and boats confiscated by Coast Guard: Legal team formed regarding the matter
- Provision of clean drinking water: Water supply started, water project will be completed soon
- Priority to local people over jobs for development projects: Special desk constituted on this issue in District Commissioner’s office
- Implementation of agreement with Dar Bela affected: Compensation given to the affected, a separate area being selected for land compensation
- Compensation given to Expressway affected: Compensation given to the affected, special measures being taken for the remaining people
- Cases against protesting leaders and removal of names from the Fourth Schedule: The matter was sent to the provincial cabinet
- Damage for damage caused by storm and illegal trawlers: Survey of the loss of fishermen completed, the matter of compensation sent to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and orders for immediate compensation issued
- Removal of DG GDA, DC Gwadar AC Pasni: Officers changed and replaced with competent persons
- Implementation of quota for people with disabilities: Orders issued for strict implementation of quota
- Kulki Point open for transportation of oil and essential commodities: Kantani Point fully open for transportation and distribution of oil and essential commodities