The locals fear the exploitation of the town's natural resources by China, thereby rebelling against several development projects. However, with no forthcoming action on ground, local populace has started the protests to fight for their rights. Protecting our local fishermen is our top most priority."
PMSA is closely monitoring the trawler & boats spotted near Gwadar. The intrusion of Chinese trawlers has created a fear of deprivation in their minds.Ĭhinese trawlers menace, earlier restricted to south-east Asia has now started spreading in Indian Ocean Region.Ĭhinese trawler fleet consisting of 'factory ships' - which process and package fish for sale in international markets, have intruded territorial waters of Pakistan, resulting in extensive fishing and dwindling catch for local fishermen.Īs a video of Chinese trawlers by local fishermen of Gwadar went viral on social media, Ali Haider Zaidi, Pakistan's Shipping Minister tweeted, "Deep-sea trawling is banned in Pakistan waters.
Their livelihoods depend on day-to-day fishing. While this Chinese model of development has already deprived the local population of their homes - the next strike is on their means of livelihood.Īt least two million people are connected to the fishing business in Gwadar. The mirage has proved to be ever elusive, as huge tracts of lands were acquired by the Federal government from the local populace.Ī large part of these lands have been illegally transferred for private purposes - including Defence Housing Authority - the 'biggest land grabber' - as described by Lahore High Court. Gwadar - as the center stage of CPEC - and once touted as next 'Dubai' was supposed to usher in economic upliftment of entire Balochistan. The local populace of Gwadar has been one of the worst sufferers of this massive loot by Chinese masters and their Pakistani puppets - both on land and at sea," said a senior officer with the intelligence agency. "The elite governing institutions - both the Pakistani Army and the government - are so indebted to their Chinese masters, that they are not even ready to protect the rights of their own population. However, as times have progressed - it is evident that Chinese loans have only exacerbated Islamabad's debt problem and Pakistan is soon moving to become a vassal state to Beijing. The fortunes of this backward region had once looked promising - as China had promised Pakistan a new age of development through its flagship project - China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Thereafter, the National Party and Baloch Student Organisation had called for the protest rally and sit-in before the Gwadar Press Club against the government's move. Apart from fishermen, political workers and members of civil society also participated in the protest. New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) Chinese trawlers getting fishing right licenses in Gwadar has usurped Pakistani fishermen livelihood - leading to huge demonstrations in the region and various other places, said top sources.Ī large number of fishermen in Pakistan's Gwadar demonstrated recently against the federal government for granting Chinese trawlers fishing rights in the region by issuing them licenses.
Chinese trawlers usurp Pakistani fishermen's livelihood