QUETTA: Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, the Chairman of Haq Do Tehreek (HDT), has called on the caretaker government to intervene and halt the ongoing marine ecological crisis in Balochistan waters and take immediate action against the trawler mafia engaged in illegal fishing.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he said that following a month-long sit-in organised by HDT in Gwadar and Turbat, the previous government under Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo signed an agreement with HDT, assuring steps to address the raised issues.

How­ever, instead of resolving the concerns, law enforcement agencies allegedly attacked and subjected participants of the protest to severe torture, leading to the arrest of numerous workers and leaders. He mentioned that despite being released on bail, there are still threats of false cases to deny constitutional rights.

He highlighted that the residents of Balochistan, particularly the fishermen of Makran, have been advocating for their fundamental rights for the past three years. He was joined by Abdul Wali Shakir, the deputy chief of Jamaat-i-Islami Balochis­tan, and other leaders of HDT.

The HDT leader accu­sed the caretaker government of prioritising unemployment over transparent elections. He emphasised the government’s neglect of fishermen and the restoration of border trade with Iran, crucial for the people of Makran to sustain their families. Mr Rehman demanded an immediate lifting of the ban on the crossing point to enable people to earn their livelihood.

He criticised the trawler mafia in Gwadar for explo­i­ting the rights of local fish­ermen, leading to unemployment among the poor.

“The trawler mafia, is causing significant harm to marine life in Gwadar, and after a recent exemption, they are depleting Balochistan waters, leaving little for local fishermen in areas like Pasni, Ormara, and Dam,” he said.

He warned that if the youth’s legitimate rights are not addressed, unrest in the province will escalate, and hungry people may resort to desperate measures.

He also highlighted the issue of missing persons in Balochistan, expressing concern about the increasing number of disappearances in Kech and Makran.

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2023