KARACHI, Jan 21: Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has reiterated that the sale of the twin islands to a foreign firm is in no way in national interest and the government is misleading the people in the name of development.

At a briefing held in Ibrahim Haideri, a fishing village, which was attended by representatives of political parties and NGOs, PFF president Mohammad Ali Shah said that the twin islands were the source of income of fishermen, and the construction of the so-called diamond city would not only deprive the fishermen of their livelihood but it would also create environment pollution in the area.

The briefing was attended by leaders of different parties. They included JUI-F Senator Dr Khalid Mehmud Soomro, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi, Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Salim Zia, Secretary-General of the National Workers Party Yusuf Mustikhan, Awami National Party leader Wakil Khan Swati and Jeay Sindh Mahaz chairman Abdul Khalique Junejo. They also took a round of the two islands.

Describing the government’s decision as economic murder of fishermen, Mr Shah said the government was misleading people on the pretext of development, adding that the government should take into consideration the sensitive nature of the area before taking such a vital decision.