During celebration of Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum's (PFF) 26th foundation day in Ibrahim Hydery, the fishing community fervently advocated for introduction of a 'Fishermen Card'.
This call, highlighting their annual tax contribution exceeding four billion rupees, resonated throughout the event, underscoring their significant but overlooked role in country's economy.
Founders Muhammad Ali Shah, Tahir Ali Shah, and other unsung heroes were honoured during the occasion for their relentless dedication to championing the rights of fishermen. Addressing the gathering, PFF Chairman, Mehran Ali Shah, lamented the dire situation faced by Pakistan's fishermen, particularly in Sindh, where access to basic necessities such as potable water, healthcare, education, and shelter remains a distant reality.
Despite their substantial tax contributions, the community continue to be marginalized, lacking recognition as essential contributors to economy. Genesis of PFF in 1998 emerged from the prolonged detention of Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails, a plight that persists with over 70 fishermen still incarcerated without adequate advocacy.
Moreover, fishing community confronts environmental challenges such as pollution and insufficient drinking water along the coastal belt, threatening both their livelihoods and marine ecosystem. A prominent leader within PFF, Yaseen Shah, emphasized urgent need for releasing Indus River water into the sea to safeguard Sindh's coastal communities.
Despite persistent advocacy efforts, government responsiveness to these pressing issues has been lacking, perpetuating marginalization of fishermen. Farhan Wagan highlighted the plight of over four million fishermen along the coast, exacerbated by impacts of climate change.
Various speakers echoed these sentiments, urging government to recognize fishermen as significant stakeholders in Pakistan's economy and prioritize their welfare accordingly.
Badin fishermen
A gathering of fishermen was held at the Badin District on the occasion of the 26th foundation day of Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum
Fishermen vowed to continue struggle against the destruction of the Indus Delta, the illegal occupation of water resources like riverbanks and lakes by influential people, the unannounced contract system for fish and shrimp hunting and the scarcity of water in the tail areas. They also demanded of the government to pursue release of fishermen locked up in Indian jails.
On this occasion, the district president of Fisher Folk Forum, Nabi Bakhsh Mallah, other officials including Umar Mallah, Abdul Rahim Chandiani Qasim Bacha, Muhammad Hasan Mallah, Momin Thamur, Abdul Razzaq Mallah, Somar Lohar Haji, Mahar Dandal, Mureed Ghorao, Muhammad Mallah, Sajan Sheikh Yusuf Malwani, Asi Mallah, Ali Muhammad Shaikh, and Hanif Mallah expressed their views.
They paid great tribute to the sacrifices and services of the historical and long struggle of PFF founder late Muhammad Ali Shah, co-chairman Shaheed Bibi Tahira Shah for the rights of fishermen.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2024.
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