(Staff Report):-
As a positive development for the fishermen of Gwadar, Chief Minister of Balochistan Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo has approved the issuance of health cards for fishermen who registered with Department of Fisheries and Coastal Development (DFCD).
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s office, a summary regarding the health cards of fishermen was forwarded to the office by DFDC.
“The number of fishermen registered with DFCD is 89,886; at the first phase the fishermen of Gwadar will be issued health cards followed by fishermen based in Lasbela and Hub,” read an official statement issued on Monday, adding that with the issuance of health cards the health-related issues of fishermen will be resolved.
Through Sehat Cards local fishermen can get access to entitled medical health care in a swift and dignified manner without any financial obligations.
In December 2022, the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet approved a technical supplementary grant of over Rs. 822 million for the wellbeing of Gwadar’s fishermen.
According to the Fisheries Sector of Balochistan’s official website, in 2021 the number of registered fishing boats was 9,645 while the number of fishermen was 72,329. They are earning their livelihood either in marine fisheries or inland fisheries of the province. As per the notification of the CM Office, the number of registered fishermen has surged to 89,886 in 2022.
On January 5, Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Izzat Nazir Baloch held a meeting with local fishermen and assured them that the administration will not allow illegal trawling in the water and that the rights of fishermen will be protected.
Last year, the government announced to provide 2,000 motorboat engines to the fishermen of Gwadar.
