KARACHI, Nov 21: World Fisheries Day was observed here on Tuesday by the fisherfolk community by holding a big rally with the pledge to continue their struggle for their rights.

Holding banners and placards in support of their demands, fisherfolk including women from Karachi coast assembled at the Regal roundabout in Saddar from where they marched towards Karachi Press Club. The participants sang folk songs and chanted slogans. The rally was also attended by trade union leaders, human rights and NGO activists and professionals.

Organized by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, in collaboration with other organizations and parties, the rally was led by PFF chief Mohammad Ali Shah and PPP(SB) chairperson Ms Ghinva Bhutto who was accompanied by Fatima Bhutto.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd outside press club, Ghinva Bhutto lauded the PFF’s efforts for uniting fishermen and struggling for their rights.

She accused Islamabad of pursuing a global agenda of US imperialism and termed the sell-out of the coastal islands an attack on the rights of fishermen. According to her, it was all being done under a globalization policy to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

PFF chairman Mohammad Ali Shah described the allotment of islands sheer violation of human rights in the name of development. He termed the decision an injustice with local fishermen who would not only be deprived of their land but also their livelihood.

Mr Shah said this decision would have far-reaching impact not only on natural resources, such as mangroves, but also the ecological system of the area.

The rally was also addressed by Haji Shafi Mohammad Jamote and others.