Seizure of Chinese trawlers in Gwadar: 'Anyone entering Pakistan's territorial waters without permission will be stopped'

 

Seizure of Chinese trawlers in Gwadar: 'Anyone entering Pakistan's territorial waters without permission will be stopped'

The Pakistani government has seized about five Chinese fishing trawlers, including crew. The trawlers were spotted last week near the coastal area of ​​Gwadar in Balochistan.

Pakistan's Shipping Minister Ali Haider Zaidi confirmed to BBC Urdu that the fishing trawlers had been stopped at Gwadar port and his ministry was further investigating the matter.

He said that anyone entering Pakistan's territorial waters without permission would be stopped.

He added: "The Chinese embassy has sent us a letter stating that the trawlers came here due to the emergency and bad weather."

Earlier on Friday, Federal Minister Ali Haider Zaidi had written on social networking site Twitter that trawling was banned within Pakistan's waters and the Pakistan Marine Security Agency was keeping a close watch on all types of trawling.

He also said that a few boats have been spotted near Gwadar which have been ordered to be investigated and those responsible will be severely punished. Protecting local fishermen is a top priority.

It is to be noted that the fishermen of Gwadar saw these Chinese trawlers while fishing and also made a video of it, after which it spread through social media.

Khudaidad alias Wajo, president of the Gwadar Fishermen's Union, told the BBC that fishermen in the Istola (Haft Talar) area of ​​Pasni saw three or four Chinese trawlers hunting and then for ten or fifteen days in the mountains of Gwadar. Four or five Chinese trawlers are anchored at the rear.

He said that when the people of Fisheries Department went there, they saw fish in these trawlers which are hunted in the waters of Balochistan.

According to Khudaidad, people from all government agencies assured him that they would not allow any Chinese or foreign trawlers.

"But it's not a jungle for anyone to come here on their own. When they have come to the waters of Balochistan, they have come here only after someone has given them permission.