QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has said that hundreds of thousands of Balochistan people earn their bread and butter from the fisheries’ sector and the provincial government wants to protect jobs of all people linked to this field.

He stated this during a meeting with Commander of Coast, Pakistan Navy, Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas, who called on him on Wednesday.

The chief minister praised Pakistan Navy’s efforts in providing health and education facilities to the people living in coastal areas of the province.

Bizenjo discusses matter with Navy’s Commander of Coast

“The Balochistan government is utilising all resources to resolve all problems of local fishermen and their issues will be addressed on priority basis,” Mr Bizenjo said.

He, however, said that fishing trawlers coming from Sindh were illegally catching fishes in Balochistan’s waters and were badly affecting fishermen of Balochistan.

“The provincial government is keen to protect the rights of local fishermen and preventive measures are needed to be taken against illegal fishing in Balochistan’s waters,” the chief minister said.

He said a large number of Balochistan people were earning their bread and butter through the fishing sector.

He announced that the provincial government would build a shipyard at the Gwadar port to benefit the people of Balochistan.

Mr Bizenjo discussed with Admiral Ilyas progress made in development projects such as Pasni fish harbour, Ormara airport and Pasni hospital.

“The CPEC will open the way for business opportunities in Balochistan’s coastal areas besides providing thousands of jobs to the local people,” the chief minister said.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2018