Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri has said that provincial government would safeguard the rights of fishermen at any cost.
“I had issued directions of complete ban of utilization of net wire and illegal fishing within the limits of Balochistan’s sea soon after assuming office,” he said, adding that however it is regrettable that trawlers from Sindh using net wire in the limits of Balochistan’s sea that is not only a serious threat to marine-life but also badly affecting livelihood of local fishermen.
He was addressing to a high-level meeting to review the proposed policy of Fishing in Deep Sea here on Wednesday which was attended by Federal Minister for Food Security and research Sardar Sinkandar Hayat Bosan, State Minister of Petroleum and Nature Resources, Jam Kamal Khan, Chief Secretary Balochistan Saifullah Chatta, Secretaries of Finance, Fishery, Agriculture and Livestock departments, Deputy Commissioners of Lasbela and Gwadar.
Director General Ministry of Port and Shipping Asad Chana informed the meeting about the features of the proposed policy. It may be mentioned here on the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a comprehensive policy is being evolved for the protection of rights of fishermen and stoppage of illegal fishing within the limits of Pakistan Sea. Federal Minister for Food Security and Research has been tasked to supervise it.
Federal Minister said that federal government wanted to formulate a policy for the acquisition of development Fishery in Pakistan under that interests of local fishermen would be protected and security of marine life could be ensured. In this regard Sindh Government was consulted and after consultation with Balochistan the policy would be given its final shape and would be implemented.
He said that under the constitution, the provinces are empowered to implement policies in their respective areas within the limits of 12 nautical miles, however, Balochistan has been authorized to carrying out fishing by 20 nautical miles.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Balochistan said that besides harmony between provinces and federal government devising of such policy is imperative that would benefit the poor fishermen. “Our fishermen should have complete authority of fishing within the area of province and their interests should be safeguarded,” he added.
State Minister, Jam Kamal said that besides protecting the rights of fishermen in deep sea and equipping them with latest technology the facility of cold-storage and other facilities in Jetties located in coastal areas of Balochistan should be included.
DG Port and Shipping informed the meeting that World Bank for the development of Fishery sector in Pakistan has planned a project of Rs 5 billion, and team of World Bank would visit Pakistan that would visit the coastal areas of Balochistan.
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