The Balochistan Assembly has taken a decisive step towards protecting the province’s marine resources by passing a resolution aimed at curbing illegal fishing and trawling activities. The resolution, proposed by Maulana Hidayatur Rehman of Haq Do Tehreek (HDT) during a session presided over by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, garnered widespread support.
Mr. Rehman, emphasizing his personal experience as a fisherman, underscored the detrimental impact of illegal trawling on Balochistan’s waters. He lamented the loss of at least 15 different fish species due to the use of banned nets and equipment by large trawlers. Moreover, he estimated an annual loss of over Rs70 billion, attributing the situation to the alleged patronage of the trawling mafia by federal government institutions.
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Supporting the resolution, Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to developing a comprehensive fisheries policy. This policy includes the installation of trackers on every fishing boat to monitor activities at sea. Furthermore, efforts are underway to amend the Fisheries Act, aiming to elevate the sector to industry status and benefit fishermen while bolstering the GDP.
Home Minister Ziaullah Langove affirmed the chief minister’s directive to halt illegal trawling, pledging to accomplish the task within one month. The resolution garnered additional support from PPP MPA Mina Majeed Baloch, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, National Party’s Khair Jan Baloch, and JUI-F’s Syed Zafar Agha.
This concerted effort signals a significant stride towards safeguarding Balochistan’s marine ecosystem and ensuring sustainable utilization of its resources.