May 09, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 21, 1428

KARACHI, May 8: Aziz Agha, the pioneer of sportfishing in Pakistan, launched his book ‘Guide to Saltwater Sportfishing in Pakistan’ at an impressive function held at a local hotel on Sunday.

Dr Gunter Mulack, Ambassador of Germany, was the chief guest on the occasion. The book, sponsored by Merck Marker, was hailed as a ground-breaking publication for the sports enthusiasts in the country by speakers including Javed Jabbar, Mehtab Rashdi, Rabia Javeri Agha, Justice Sarmad Usmani, Jurgen Koenig and the author, Syed Aziz Agha.

Lauding Agha’s untiring efforts for popularising the sport in Pakistan and his thorough knowledge of it, the speakers hoped that the government will lend some support to the sport which will eventually boost the largely untapped tourism industry in Pakistan.

Commenting on Agha’s book, chief guest Dr Mulack said that Agha’s fishing guide book would not only help the local saltwater anglers but also anglers from around the globe who could benefit from this wonderful work which contains comprehensive details of the adventurous outdoor sport and respective conditions for it in the region.

Later on, the author while addressing the audience lamented that despite all his efforts since the early eighties to promote this fantastic tourist sport, not a single jetty had been built for the common citizens nor any infrastructure made for its promotion. Agha requested the private sector to come forward and join hands with him, to play an active role in preserving the marine environment which is “God’s gift to the city of Karachi.” “If we learn to live in harmony with nature, it will help sustain our marine resources,” he said while concluding the book-launching ceremony.

Javed Jabbar also paid high tribute to Agha’s efforts and commended sponsors Merck for fulfilling a great corporate social responsibility for others to take note. A wide array of fishing tackle, author’s profile and testimonials were also displayed on the occasion for the guests. The impressive gathering had several diplomats, watersportsmen, environmentalists and representatives from the electronic and print media in attendance.