CPEC: Balochistan CM welcomes PM Imran Khan’s assusrance to meet Gwadar protesters’ demands

Gwadar Pro

Quetta: Balochistan provincial Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo on Sunday afternoon welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s assurances to Baloch people of addressing their legitimate demands put forwarded in days long sit-in at the Gwadar, the hub of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In a statement, CM Bijenjo stressed that the Gwadar movement’s demands were based on human rights and included in the incumbent government’s policies.

“The provincial government is implementing actions on the demands of the protestors coming under its constitutional realm,” he added.

The CM maintained that the provincial government is ensuring the prohibition of illegal fish trawling, ending unnecessary Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) check posts, resumption of border trade and ending the token system in light of the protestor’s demands.

Bizinjo informed that licenses of all liquor stores had been suspended, the concerned departments had been directed to resolve the water issues in Gwadar and funds had been issued to the relevant departments.

The CM pointed out that the demand of power supply was the domain of federal government, and under PM Imran Khan had promised to accept all legitimate demands. He remarked that the federal and provincial government should develop a joint mechanism to take action against illegal trawling. “We will soon present a detailed report to PM Imran Khan on the developments,” he mentioned.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the demands of Gwadar’s fishermen. In a tweet, PM Imran Khan said he had taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. “Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & (and) will also speak to CM Balochistan,” he wrote.

A large number of people including women and children staged protest in Gwadar on December 10, demanding provision of their rights. It is going to be one month since the Jamaat-e-Islami launched ‘Gwadar ko haq do’ (give rights to Gwadar) movement in the port city.

The fishermen are reportedly protesting against giving fishing rights to trawlers of Sindh and China within the limits of the sea touching Gwadar city. They considered it as depriving them of their livelihoods as more than two million people are linked with the fishing business in Gwadar.

The residents of the city also demand provision of clean water, power supply and removal of unnecessary check-posts.

The protesters have already clarified that they supported China’s efforts for development in Pakistan through the CPEC and under other bilateral agreements. They made it clear that the protest was for their rights not against Iron Brother China.