Illegal activities: Fishmeal factories likely to be moved to other parts of Sindh

Fisheries department officials raid factory that was operating without permission.

KARACHI: As the provincial government enhances grip over illegal activities of fishmeal factories located near Ibrahim Haidery, some of the factory owners plan to shift their business to other areas of the province such as Hyderabad.

During a raid conducted in the last week of November, two factories involved in purchasing and processing smaller fish illegally were sealed. One of them was reopened on court orders but the other started its operation without official permission. This illegally functioning factory was raided by the officials of the fisheries department on Wednesday.

"Our officials visited the factory on information that it has started working," said marine fisheries director Rukhsana Asghar. "But they were unable to enter."

Sources said that most of the owners of the smaller factories plan to shift their business to other cities. It was also learnt that the police declined to register an FIR against the factory owner who denied officials to monitor the activities at the factory.

"The people behind this business are very influential," an official of the fisheries department told The Express Tribune. "We can't even move unless the law enforcement agencies cooperate with us."

Owing to illegal fishing and business of fishmeal factories, many species of fish are at risk. Marine experts believe that the illegal business is likely to flourish in the coming days if authorities fail to keep a proper check.

According to sources, some political figures even in the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party patronise this illegal business. "We are unable to implement the law because of the influence of powerful people," said an official. He said that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to tackle all those who support this illegal business in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2015.