QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to launch strict action against the mafia involved in illegal trawling in the Makran coast line.

A meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, held to discuss the preparation for the upcoming inter-provincial coordination committee’s national meeting, was informed that illegal trawling in the Balochistan waters was affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen.

CM Bugti expressed his anger over the illegal trawling that is depriving the local fishermen to earn their bread and butter. “Our own people are involved in illegal trawling, and we cannot jeopardize the future of upcoming generations for temporary financial gains.”

He ordered the relevant officials to take strict action against the “trawlers’ mafia”.

He stated that illegal trawling was destroying the national resources and coastlines. “What happened in the past and what previous governments did must be stopped now.”

The CM said it was regrettable that resources had been “ruthlessly plundered”. “Over the past ten years, fishing has emerged as a major sector, but no mechanism has been introduced to prevent illegal trawling, which has strengthened the mafia,” the CM said.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024