ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Thursday expressed displeasure over the fact that no action had been taken against foreign trawlers fishing in the territorial waters of Balochistan.

The issue was raised by Senator Mohammad Tahir Bizenjo during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs.

Mr Bizenjo said fishing was the only source of income for the people of coastal areas. Local fishermen were facing hardships due to fishing by trawlers of foreign countries, he said, adding that the problem must be addressed amicably.

Chairperson of the committee Senator Rubina Khalid emphasised that this issue should be resolved at the earliest. Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi said that bad weather often forced trawlers to come near Gwadar port however, formal permission had not been granted by the authorities concerned for fishing in the area. He assured the committee to take up the matter at the appropriate level for resolution of the complaint as early as possible.

Members of the committee, nonetheless, expressed displeasure over the progress made so far and said that it was not satisfied with the reply of the ministry. Members unanimously agreed that this matter should be expedited.

Chairperson of the committee further directed the ministry to co-ordinate with all departments and submit a report in the next meeting.

Ms Khalid asked for a copy of the new fishing policies in the next meeting, that committee members could review and discuss. The committee was also briefed in detail by Mr Zaidi, on the organisation, functions and performance of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and its attached departments.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2021