KARACHI, Oct 12: The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), a representative organization of fisherman community, on Wednesday announced launching of a ‘decisive’ struggle against contract system in fishing sector in Sindh from this month to January next year.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the PFF’s struggle committee held at Ibrahim Hyderi here. PFF Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah presided over the meeting which was attended by fishermen’s representatives across the province.

The meeting expressed its satisfaction over the pace of the ongoing campaign against the contract system. It strongly condemned the government for not having issued a notification in this regard as yet.

During the current month, as part of the decisive struggle, facts would be documented and sent to the government, political parties and NGOs with appeal to join in the protest drive.

The International Fishermen Day this year, on November 21, would be observed amid protests while districts conventions would be held on November 13, 15 and 17 in Nawabshah, Badin and Thatta, respectively. The main ceremony to mark the Day would be held on November 21 in Hyderabad where thousands of fishermen would gather in a show of solidarity to condemn the contract system.

On December 15 and 16, seminars would be held in Islamabad and Lahore and a demonstration would also be organized on a date to be announced later.

The meeting also decided to organize a ceremony of the World Social Forum in January in Karachi. On January, 25, thousands of fishermen would march from Quaid’s Mazar to the Governor’s House.

A delegation headed by Mustafa Mirani would visit Punjab as part of the struggle against the contract system whereas the PPF Chairman would undertake visits of various areas in Sindh, including Sanghar, Thatta, Badin, Jamshoro, Kotri, Manchar, etc.

The meeting also urged the government to withdraw the cases registered against fishermen.—PPI