World News | Pakistan: Balochistan Fishermen Protest New Security Curbs on Coastal Fishing
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Fishermen in Balochistan's Gwadar district have staged a protest against newly imposed restrictions requiring prior approval from Pakistani security forces and relevant authorities before entering coastal waters, The Balochistan Post reported.
Balochistan [Pakistan], July 22 (ANI): Fishermen in Balochistan's Gwadar district have staged a protest against newly imposed restrictions requiring prior approval from Pakistani security forces and relevant authorities before entering coastal waters, The Balochistan Post reported.
According to The Balochistan Post, the demonstrators said the new directive would severely impact their livelihoods and push thousands of fishing families into economic hardship.
Also Read | Tropical Storm Bertha Threatens US Gulf Coast, Louisiana Braces for Landfall.
As reported by The Balochistan Post, the Gwadar Fisheries Department recently issued a public notice directing all boat owners, operators and fishermen to obtain prior permission from the relevant Pakistani security authorities before venturing into coastal waters.
The notice also warned that anyone violating the directive would face legal action under applicable laws.
Also Read | Who Was Kaylee Hottle? All About 'Godzilla vs Kong' Actress Who Died at 18 in Tragic Car Crash.
The protesting fishermen argued that the sea is their only source of income and that additional restrictions on fishing activities threaten the survival of families that have depended on the coastline for generations.
According to The Balochistan Post, many protesters said the new regulations would reduce fishing time, disrupt daily operations and increase uncertainty for an already struggling community.
The demonstrators urged the Pakistani government and the concerned security institutions to immediately review the decision and hold consultations with representatives of the fishing community.
The Balochistan Post reported that the protesters called for a solution that balances security concerns with the economic needs of local fishermen, stressing that their livelihoods should not be compromised.
The fishermen also warned that if the restrictions are not withdrawn or eased, they will intensify and expand their protest campaign across other coastal areas, The Balochistan Post added.
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, has long witnessed unrest over allegations of political marginalisation, enforced disappearances, limited control over local resources and underdevelopment.
Rights groups and Baloch activists have repeatedly accused Pakistani authorities of suppressing dissent and imposing strict security measures across the province.
Coastal communities in Gwadar have frequently protested over restrictions on fishing activities and access to maritime resources, arguing that security policies and large-scale development projects have adversely affected their traditional livelihoods. (ANI)
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)