KARACHI, June 14: The Government is working on a plan to evolve a consensus among key stack-holders in Karachi Fish Harbour on the issue of rent for port facilities.

This was stated here on Saturday by the Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Sardar Manzoor Panhwar, while speaking as a chief guest at an oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority Employees Union.

The minister hoped that the 16-year old outstanding issue between two important organizations —- Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) and Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority —- would be settled permanently.

The minister said these organizations had been playing a key role in the operation and maintenance of the harbour and the lingering dispute was in no way in the interest of these two organizations.

He said differences between these two organizations must be resolved in the national spirit as well as in the interest of fishermen community.

He lauded the role of employees of both the organizations for making untiring efforts to raise the standard of the harbour.

He said a European Union delegation visited the harbour two days back and was impressed by the general hygienic conditions at the Karachi Fish Harbour.

The minister stressed the need for boosting exports of seafood products by maintaining quality to achieve national export targets as desired by the president.

On this occasion, Sardar Manzoor Panhwar also attended a mild function held on the occasion by the union and later administered the oath to the newly-elected office-bearers.

Earlier, the union President Fazil Sajdi welcomed the chief guest and drew his attention towards various problems faced by employees and sought his cooperation.

Later, talking to newsmen, the minister said stern action would be taken against any one found involved in illegal fishing and violating the ban on fishing of shrimps during the current month. His attention was drawn towards reports that shrimps were being openly sold in Daryabad area.