Behram Baloch:
Normalcy returned to Gwadar, Pakistan’s port city after days of protests and clashes between police and protesters. Shopkeepers opened their shops in the main Gwadar Bazar on Monday. The Gwadar Rights Movement (GRM) activists have been protesting against the provincial government for the last more than two months against illegal fishing/trawling and unnecessary check posts.
Baton-wielding policemen were deployed in various parts of the port city to maintain order. A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili expressed satisfaction over the return of normalcy in the port city. Deputy Commissioner Gwadar and other high-ups briefed the meeting about the law and order situation through a video link.
Normalcy returns to #Gwadar… pic.twitter.com/PwTMcLxSWh
— Quetta Voice (@VoiceQuetta) January 2, 2023
14 activists including a local journalist sent to jail
14 activists of the GRM including a local journalist Obaidullah were sent to jail. The DC Gwadar had arrested all 14 activists including the local journalist Obaidullah under the Maintainance of Public Order (MPO)-3. The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of the local journalist and demanded his immediate release. “We are in contact with the government about the release of the journalist”, the BUJ said in a statement.
Residents of Gwadar heaved a sigh of relief after the opening of shops, petrol pumps, and the restoration of mobile service. Gwadar port has also become operational and workers are engaged in loading and unloading of wheat trucks, an official handout issued on Tuesday evening said. The internet service was yet to be restored.
The fisheries department launched action against the trawler mafia
Tourist activities in the Gwadar district were also restored and tourists started visiting the sea view, the handouts mentioned.
The Secretary Fisheries department briefed the meeting about the action against the elements involved in illegal fishing and trawling in the Arabian sea. He informed that all departments were making combined efforts to arrest elements involved in illegal fishing and trawling in Gwadar.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officials to make sure the provision of clean drinking water to Gwadar and reduce the load shedding in the city. He said the government was committed to addressing the issues faced by the residents of Gwadar.
