GWADAR: Local fishermen have warned that the industry and ice factories were fighting for their survival and blamed the government for neglecting the sector contributing billions to the economy.

In a press conference at the Gwadar Press Club on Sunday, representatives of the fishing industry said the livelihood of millions of workers is under threat.

They said local fishermen pay hefty bills to the Quetta Electric Supply Company but receive low-voltage electricito only for a few hours each day.

Additionally, they are forced to spend Rs500,000 to 600,000 every month to purchase water.

Decry power outages, lack of basic facilities in port city

The fishermen demanded that just like Gwadar was declared a Free Zone, the fish industry should also be included in the Free Zone and granted tax-free status.

While they welcomed the prime minister’s recent announcement of reduced electricity prices, they stressed the urgent need to support Gwadar’s struggling fishing sector.

They highlighted that despite Gwadar being declared the hub of CPEC, fish and ice factories were suffering due to what they called official indifference.

They emphasised that the fishing industry generates billions in revenue and foreign exchange but receives no facilities in return.

In a coastal district where 80 per cent of the population relies on fishing, this neglect is especially harmful, they said.

They accused the government of not fulfilling its promises.

Currently, around 19 fish and ice factories operate in Gwadar, employing thousands of low-income workers who depend on them for survival.

The owners decried electricity issues in Gwadar, saying prolonged power outages spoil their fish.

They called for immediate inclusion of Gwadar’s fish and ice factories in the Free Zone and the provision of essential services.

The fishermen also urged the Gwadar Development Authority and the Municipal Committee to install proper drainage systems and ensure uninterrupted electricity.

They warned that failure to meet these demands would severely damage the industry and leave thousands jobless.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2025