GWADAR: Qatari Prince Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Thani faced a bit of a hassle when he found out that he needed ‘clearance’ for hunting in the Hoshab and Balaktar areas in Kech district of Balochistan.

The prince had to call Prime Minister House and according to sources, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took notice of the issue immediately and ordered the provincial government to provide security to the prince and facilitate him, after which he reached Turbat with his staff and other members of the royal family on Tuesday.

The prince was received at the airport by Makran Commissioner Bashir Ahmed Bangloi and Deputy Commissioner Kech Yaqoob Mari. The royal entourage, which was protected by the Frontier Corps and other forces, moved towards Hoshab and Balaktar.

When he reached the camp, the prince was informed about the situation. Sources claimed that he said if the authorities did not want him to hunt in the area he could leave.

However, upon given the assurances that due security would be provided to him and other members of his entourage, he decided to stay.

He was accompanied by five Qataris, two Iranians, three Nepalese, two Omanis and some Pakistani citizens.

The political situation in Hoshab and Balaktar has been precarious for the last couple of years causing a large number of people to migrate from the region.

The Frontier Works Organisation which is working on the CPEC highways has also come under attack because of which security forces have arrested some suspects.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2016