KARACHI, May 23: Thousands of fishermen from various fishing villages of Karachi here on Monday staged a protest rally from the Native Jetty Bridge to Karachi Fish Harbor to register their disapproval against contract system and arrest of central leaders of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF).

The representatives of various civil society organizations also took part in the protest rally. The participants, carrying banners and placards, raised slogans against the provincial government for imposing contract system on inland fisheries and for arrest of PFF leaders under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

After marching in various sections of the harbour, the participants staged a sit-in in front of office of Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS).

Addressing the rally, PFF General Secretary Saeed Baloch, President of FCS Karachi Committee Majid Motani and Yasmeen Shah, said that fishermen’s struggle against contract system would continue. They condemned the provincial government for the arrest of PFF leaders and poor fishermen in Badin. They demanded their immediate release.

They said arrests could not discourage the resolve of fishermen as they have even expedited their struggle after arrests of PFF leaders.

They said that the PFF would continue its struggle till abolition of contract system once for all. In this regard, they pointed out that a protest programme of holding rallies and demonstrations has been chalked out.

Giving details of the programme, Majid Motani said on May 25 the protest demonstration would be held in Khadda Village, on May 26 at Harbor Office, on May 27 at Suneri village, on May 28 at Abdul Rehman Village, on May 29 at Mauripur, on May 30 at Keamari Post Office, on May 31 at Dam Bandar and Gadani, on June 1 at Manora Bandar, on June 2 at Sea View beach on June 3 at Jamote Jetty, Ibrahim Haideri.

Moreover, he said the future line of action would be decided at a consultative meeting, being held at Sidco Centre on Tuesday. Representatives of the civil society organizations, political parties, intellectuals, writers and journalists have been invited to attend this meeting, he added.

After the protest demonstration, the participants dispersed peacefully.—PPI