Fishermen in Gwadar have staged a protest against new restrictions imposed by the Fisheries Department requiring prior approval from Pakistani forces and relevant authorities before entering coastal waters.
The protesters said the measure would severely affect their livelihoods and push thousands of fishing families into economic hardship.
In a recent public notice, the Gwadar Fisheries Department instructed all boat owners, operators and fishermen not to enter coastal waters without obtaining prior permission from the relevant Pakistani security authorities. The department warned that those found violating the directive would face legal action under applicable laws.
Protesting fishermen argued that the sea is their sole source of income and said that any further restrictions on access to fishing grounds were unacceptable.
They urged the government and the relevant security institutions to review the decision and engage with the fishing community to find a solution that would safeguard their economic interests.
The demonstrators also warned that if the restrictions were not withdrawn or eased, they would expand their protest campaign.