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PM Imran Khan takes notice of Gwadar fishermen protests

Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken notice of Gwadar fishermen’s protests on Sunday.

A statement from PM Imran Khan comes as the people of Gwadar have been out on the streets for more than a month.

It was two days ago when Gwadar saw one of its biggest protests as hundreds and thousands of men, women, and children, took to the streets, marching from the Seratun-Nabi Chowk, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the provincial government.

“I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar,” the premier said in a tweet,

“Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers and will also speak to CM Balochistan,” he added.

Led by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami, the people of the port city launched the ‘Gwadar ko haq do’ movement 27 days ago.

The ongoing protest, ‘Gwadar Ko Haq Do Tehreek’ has 20 major demands:

End to illegal trawlers: Office of director general of Fisheries moved to Gwadar and patrolling increased to check on illegal trawlers
Freedom for fishermen to go to sea: Elimination of special token system to go to sea. Fishermen are now allowed to go without any permission
Elimination of unnecessary checkposts on major roads: All unnecessary checkposts removed
Closure of wine shops in Gwadar All wine shops closed on government instructions
Elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran: End to all kinds of interference and establishment of trade markets at border
Establishment of a university in Gwadar: Appointment of a vice chancellor for Gwadar University, classes to start soon
Appointments on empty seats of education department’s non-teaching staff: Selection process for appointment completed, officials sent for appointment
Curtailing the sale of fake medicines: Inspection of Gwadar’s medical stores completed
Waivers and subsidies on utility bills: Policy on issue to be clarified soon, chief minister has written a letter to Quetta Electric Supply Company
Release of seized cars and boats by coastguard: Legal team formed on the issue
Provision of clean drinking water: Supply of water initiated, water project to be completed soon
Priority to locals on jobs for development projects: Special desk formed on the issue in district commissioner’s office
Implementation on agreement with Dar Bela affectees: Compensation paid to affectees, separate area being selected for land compensation
Compensation paid to Expressway affectees: Compensation paid to affectees, special measures being taken for remaining people
Removal of cases on protest leaders and names from Fourth Schedule: Matter sent to the provincial cabinet
Damages for losses due to storms and illegal trawlers: Survey completed of fishermen’s losses, matter of compensation sent to Provincial Disaster Management Authority and orders issued for immediate compensation
Removal of DG GDA, DC Gwadar AC Pasni: Officials changed and replaced with capable individuals
Implementation of quota for disabled people: Orders issued for strict implementation of quota
Open Kulki point for transportation of oil and essentials: Kantani point completely opened for transport and distribution of oil and essentials