QUETTA, Dec 15 Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has ordered to hold in abeyance the NOC issued by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in favour of Bosicor Refinery for establishing a floating jetty at Gaddani in Lasbela district.

Official sources said the chief minister had taken notice of the complaints of local people and elected representative of the area that the said project would deprive hundreds of fishermen of their livelihood as their decades-old fishing harbour will be affected.

The CM issued further orders to the EPA officials that a public hearing should be arranged at the site to hear the reservations and grievances of the local people and elected representative of the area regarding the project.

It was further directed that the presence of Bosicor representatives should be ensured in the proposed meeting at Gaddani.

The EPA officials were also directed to carryout a survey regarding the effects of the proposed project on the marine life.

Meanwhile, Speaker Balochistan Assembly Mohammad Aslam Bhootani welcoming the CM directives expressed the hope that the latter would also take note of AES Pakistan Limited proposed coal-based power plant at Gaddani.