GWADAR: The government has assured fishermen that their livelihood will not be affected and their rights will be fully protected after the construction of East-Bay Expressway and the implementation of Master Plan.

Balochistan Information Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi held out the assurance at a press conference after Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani met a delegation of fishermen in Gwadar on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by Senior Minister for Local Bodies Sardar Muhammad Saleh Bhootani, Finance Minister Arif Jan Muhammad Hasni, Home Minister Mir Saleem Ahmed Khosa, Minister for IT Sardar Abdul Rehman Kheitran, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Dostain Khan Jamaldini, Chairman District Counsel, Commissioner Makran division and chairman of the Alliance of Fisherman.

Mr Buledi said the apprehensions and reservations of fishermen were discussed in the meeting. He said legislation was under way for the protection of rights of local population and soon revenue act would also be amended. He said breakwaters would be built on the eastern coast of Gwadar for fishing boats.

Besides, the meeting also decided to construct residential colonies at every tehsil and 200 acres will be allocated in Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara and Jewani areas for the purpose, he said.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2018