January 19, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 28, 1427

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KARACHI, Jan 18: The Fisheries Department and representatives of fishermen communities have decided to replace the contract system for inland fishing with a licensing system.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the two sides, chaired by the Fisheries Department secretary here on Wednesday.

The fishermen communities were represented at the meeting by the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), Sindh Taraqqi Pasand Mallah Tanzeem (STPMT), Keenjhar Welfare Association (KWA) and other welfare organisations.

A PFF spokesman told Dawn on Thursday that at the meeting the two sides reached a consensus to replace the contract system in inland fishing waters with a licensing system.

A 33-point agenda was prepared for the government consideration, he said, adding that the agenda included constitution of fisheries board comprising PFF representatives to protect the rights of fishermen, legislation for protection of fishermen’s rights and a survey of fishermen.

He described the decision as a ‘great achievement’ and hoped that the Sindh government would accept other demands of the fishermen’s community.

He said the contract system had been opposed ever since its introduction as the contractor and his agents would exploit it, forcing fishermen to sell their catch at throw-away prices. The contractors were violated rules of Sindh Fisheries Act 1980, he added.

UNION: A general body meeting of the Fishermen Cooperative Society Employees Union on Thursday demanded removal of the adviser to Sindh chief minister on fisheries for allegedly misusing funds of the society and Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority.