Gwadar (Web Desk): The residents of Gwadar on Thursday called off their sit-in after more than a month following the successful negotiations with the government.
According to details, the announcement to call off the protest was announced by Maulana Hidayatur Rehman who was leading the movement the banner of ‘Gwadar Ko Haq Do’.
Confirming the development, Balochistan Minister for Planning and Development Zahoor
Buledi, in a message on Twitter, wrote that the negotiations between the government and Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman took place in the presence of the Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.
"The negotiation with Maulana Hidayatur Rehman in the presence of CM has been successful. Govt has accepted all demands of Maulana Sb and the dharna is to be called off," the minister wrote.
In a statement, CM Bizenjo said demands being made by protesters are legitimate, adding that his government will ensure provision of growth opportunities and basic necessities to them.
Earlier in the day, a high level meeting chaired by CM Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was held in Gwadar.
The meeting reviewed progress on Gwadar development projects, the Rradio Pakistan reported.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Zubeida Jalal and Asad Umar along with Advisor to the Prime Minister on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Khalid Mansoor.
Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Naseer Kashani and DG Gwadar Development Authority, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman briefed the meeting on the ongoing development projects in Gwadar.
The meeting also reviewed the establishment of Gwadar University, Gwadar Cadet College, Vocational Training Center, supply of clean drinking water and other issues.
Taking notice of the protest, Prime Minister Imran Khan had last week ordered strong steps against illegal fishing off the Gwadar coast.
“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 and will also speak to Chief Minister Balochistan,” PM Imran tweeted.
Khan also mentioned speaking with Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo to address reservations of the Balochistan fisher community.
Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, who was leading the protest, had welcomed the premier’s statement saying that they are not stubborn people as local residents also wanted a solution to their problems.
However, he stressed that the prime minister should also mention and solve their other demands which are also important including the opening of border, power and water issues and returning of seized fishing boats and vehicles.
The development came after fishermen in Gawadar staged protests against the devastating impact of illegal fishing by trawlers along the coast on the livelihoods of local fishermen.
The local fishermen accused fishing companies of being involved in illegal fishing which affected their key source of income.
Multiple rounds of talks between the Balochistan government and the protesters earlier failed as the agitators said they will not end their protest on mere promises.