Illegal Gaja Trawlers Continue to Exploit Waters in Pasni, Fishermen Protest

Pasni:The coastal town of Pasni recently witnessed a historic fair, but local fishermen are in distress due to the unchecked presence of illegal Gaja trawlers in the area. Dozens of trawlers, operating illegally, were spotted near the Dera Jamaliya and the Pasni Haftalar Islands, engaging in unauthorized fishing activities.

Local fishermen recorded videos of the trawlers illegally fishing within the Pasni Haftalar maritime boundaries, which have since gone viral. Despite the presence of the Fisheries Department’s patrol team, there was no sign of any action or intervention. The trawlers, hailing from Sindh, were seen operating without fear, further depleting the marine resources and worsening the livelihood of local fishermen.

Pasni, along with the entire Gwadar district, relies heavily on fishing as its primary source of income. The illegal fishing activities of these trawlers are systematically depleting the local waters, making it increasingly difficult for thousands of fishermen’s families to earn a living.

The government of Balochistan and the Fisheries Department have been severely criticized for their failure to prevent these illegal activities, as local fishermen continue to struggle with the loss of resources that are vital for their survival.