Gizri fishermen tired of sharing spoils with policemen, hold protest

Protesters claim they are harassed by policemen demanding bribes

KARACHI: The fishermen of Gizri staged a protest on Monday against corrupt police officials, who demand bribes in return of letting them fish, blocking the main road near Sea View for a couple of hours.

The fishermen, along with office bearers of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), shouted slogans and demanded that the provincial government takes notice of the injustices against them.



They also held banners against police officials who regularly demand bribes, with women and children also taking part in the protest.

The protesters claimed that police officials regularly ask for 'chai paani' from the fishermen and added that their fishing nets are confiscated if they do not comply.

Ali Muhammad, a fisherman, alleged that a police team took his phone and his entire day's earning on Saturday evening. "It is their routine," he said. "They say that if we don't give them money or a share of our catch then they won't let us fish in these waters."

Sole source of income

More than 200 fishermen from Gizri, Shireen Jinnah Colony and Keamari use this part of the beach to fish, either in the morning or in the evening. Fishing is the only source of income for a majority of these fishermen and few, if any, venture into the deep sea.

"These policemen tell us to not come to these beaches to fish," said Hussain Dorai, a fisherman. The protesters added that they were unable to fish for more than a month after the drowning incidents but have since been given permission by the Sindh Fisheries department. However, they continue to be harassed by the policemen and no action is being taken against them.



"These are poor fishermen and have been in this profession for years," said a protester, Tahira Ali. "They aren't violating any laws so they should not be mistreated in such a manner."

Demanding action

"We will continue our protest and will extend it to other areas if action is not taken against the law enforcers who harass these fishermen," warned PFF general-secretary Saeed Baloch. He also added that his organisation has asked the government to ensure that such harassment does not take place in the future.

Taking notice of the demonstration, the Darakhshan SHO promised the protesters that he would personally take action against the policemen involved.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2014.