Hook, line and sinker: Fishermen protest against ban in DI Khan

Say corrupt officials have imposed it after being refused bribes

DI KHAN: Hundreds of fishermen and their families protested against the ban on fishing in the Indus River by the fisheries department.

The protesters were accompanied by government fishing contractors and started their demonstration from the Town Hall and marched to DI Khan Press Club. They held banners and shouted slogans against the ban. The demonstrators gathered in front of the press club and blocked the road, causing a huge traffic jam on the circular road that goes around DI Khan City.

The protest was led by Indus River Unit-I’s Special Representative Muhammad Arif, Unit-II contractor Gul Sher, Unit-III contractor Ghulam Rasool and Unit-IV’s Special Representative Muhammad Naheem.

The speakers alleged the fisheries department officials in DI Khan were corrupt. He alleged the assistant director Rast Baz and Inspector Mulazeem demanded bribes and part of their catch. They added these officials bring police personnel and arrest fishermen before mistreating them.

“We fulfil their demands every time, but now we have decided not to yield.  The ban has been imposed as a reaction to our refusal.” Due to the ban, fishermen and their families are facing a financial crunch and will run out of food if their livelihood is snatched. They demanded the ban be lifted immediately and corrupt officials removed from their posts. They warned of a countrywide protest with the help of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum if their demands were not met.

The Indus River passes through the eastern side of DI Khan City and is not only a leisure spot, but also used for fishing. The river is divided into four units of the area and around 600 to 700 fishermen’s income is dependent on it.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.