GWADAR: At least 84 people allegedly involved in illegal fishing in Balochistan’s waters near Gwadar were arrested and four trawlers were seized on Monday.

The people were arrested in an operation led by the provincial fisheries department, the Maritime Security Agency and Pakistan Coast Guards.

The fishermen of Gwadar district appreciated government’s efforts in this regard and hoped they would help create employment opportunities for the local fishermen of Gwadar and Lasbela districts.

Fishermen in Gwadar recently staged a month-long sit-in against several issues, including illegal fishing trawlers. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo later went to Gwadar and ordered stern action against such trawlers.

After these operations by the government, rare and other types of fish have returned to the waters of Balochistan and the colours of Gwadar jetty have also been restored.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2022