PFF alleges PPP minister behind abduction of chairperson

Says as Shah is a threat to Malkani, he is being targeted

KARACHI: The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has alleged that its Chairperson Muhammad Ali Shah, an office-bearer from Sujawal district and their driver were abducted and tortured by armed goons belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani. The abductees were later released.

According to the PFF, Shah was visiting Sujawal to take out a rally against the illegal occupation of Chhach Jahan Khan Lake as the fisheries and livestock minister’s brother Shoukat Ali Malkani was occupying the lake and torturing the local fisherman.

The abduction took place while they were returning from Chhach Jahan Khan around 6pm on Monday. The abductees were released after being held at Malkani’s house for a few hours. All three of them, including Shah, office-bearer Noor Muhammad Taheemore and the driver, Khadim Ali, were tortured to the extent where they sustained marks on their bodies, it was alleged.

People in the area took them to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries. Talking to The Express Tribune, PFF spokesperson Kamal Shah said that Shah is a huge threat for the PPP minister, who in turn is resorting to desperate, ill measures.

Recently, the historic Kun Purao Lake, which spreads over 1,000 acres in Sujawal, has been occupied by influential people through Malkani’s support. According to government documents, there are around 1,219 lakes in Sindh.

The fishermen of the area allege that landlords have set up generators along the bank of the lake so that it can be artificially dried to be used as agricultural land.

“The lake is recognised by the government, but the fisheries minister, instead of supporting local fishermen, is giving lame excuses in favour of the landlord and his goons,” said Shah when he was asked to shed light on the issue earlier. He also said they had started a campaign against the illegally occupied lake and would seek the support of the civil society and related organisations.

However, a press statement issued from the ministry, says that the minister is not even aware of the abduction. It went on to say that PFF General Secretary Saeed Balouch was levelling baseless allegations against the minister while adding that no lake in Sindh was being illegally occupied by him or his men.