Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum chairperson passes away

Civil activist and Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) founder and chairperson Muhammad Ali Shah passed away on Wednesday succumbing to post-coronavirus complications at the age of 65.

Aggrieved family members said Shah, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), had tested positive for the deadly virus a few weeks ago. Shah died of a chest ailment shortly after he recovered from the coronavirus. "His last Covid test came out negative but his condition deteriorated because of his chest problem. The doctors had shifted him onto a ventilator a few days ago," Shah's daughter, Yasmin, told The Express Tribune.

Shah had spent his life fighting for the rights of the fisherfolk and advocating against the impacts of climate change and pollution. Grief swept through the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan at the news of his demise and many shut down their businesses in mourning. The late civil activist left behind six children and thousands of followers who mourned his death

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Illustrious career

Born in Ibrahim Hyderi - the biggest fisherfolk settlement in Karachi - in 1956, Shah was known as the champion for the rights of fisherfolk. He advocated their case before national and international forums and also served as the chairperson of the Asia region at the World Forum of Fisher People.

He advocated for the rights of detained fishermen, called for the protection of mangroves, struggled for the sustainable living of fisherfolks and campaigned against marine pollution and for the revival of the Indus Delta.

Formally founded in 1998, under his leadership the PFF soon became the representative organisation of fisherfolk.

"It was his struggle which compelled the Sindh government to abolish the contract system in fisheries. After the contract system came to an end, the fishermen became independent to catch fish from water bodies," said Mustafa Mirani, a close aide of the deceased.

Shah, who graduated from the University of Karachi, was active in student politics. His first foray into social work was with the launch of a community development organisation, Anjuman Samajhi Behbood, which focused on girls' education.

"Under Shah's supervision, we started Aaurat Saheriyon Sath in 1978 to mobilise the community and educate girls. We succeeded in getting 36 girls enrolled in various schools and colleges. This was the start of our campaign," recalled Sindhi writer Ayoub Shan, a founding member of the PFF.  Anjuman Samajhi Behbood was not confined to community services alone, but started campaigning for the rights of fisherfolk living along the coastal belt.

"Our current organization, the PFF, came into being when World Forum of Fisher People organised a global event for fishermen issues in India in 1997 and invited Shah sahab to it. I along with Shah and other colleagues attended the event. The next year we launched PFF," said Ayoub.