Gwadar protest ‘watershed event’ in struggle for basic rights: PML’s Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad, Dec 15: Pakistan’s Leader of Opposition Shehbaz Sharif said that the ongoing protest in Gwadar in Balochistan province is a “watershed event” in the struggle for basic rights guaranteed by the constitution of the country.

In a tweet, Pakistan Muslim League (N) president said that the protests represented “a new chapter in our country”.
“An ongoing protest at Gwadar represents a new chapter in our country. Owned & led by people, it is a watershed event in the struggle for the basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. I ask the Govt to listen to people’s voice & address their problems immediately,” Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet.

According to The Express Tribune report, thousands of protestors are staging a sit-in against unnecessary check posts and fishing trawlers in the Gwadar district of Balochistan and are demanding civic amenities and employment opportunities for the local people.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday announced that the government would take “strong action” against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

PM Imran Khan in a tweet said that he had taken notice of the “very legitimate demands” of the hardworking fisherfolk of Gwadar and will take strong action.

“I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan,” Khan tweeted on Sunday.

According to a Dawn report, fishermen in large numbers along with women and children have been protesting on the shores of Gwadar for past 30 days to press the relevant authorities for elimination of illegal fishing by trawlers, removal of several officials, cross-border trade with Iran, provision of clean drinking water, closure of wine shops, jobs, job quota for disabled and free 300 units of electricity.

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