KARACHI, May 2: The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) has announced launching of a Sindh-wide movement for the abolition of contract system in fisheries sector. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum governing body held under the chairmanship of Mohammad Ali Shah at Ibrahim Hyderi.

The meeting was attended by Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum members from across the country.

In a joint declaration issued after the meeting, the fishermen pledged to continue their struggle against the contract system in Sindh.

They said this struggle would not be stopped even if the government announced postponement of the auction of contract. Only abolition of the system could stop the struggle, it declared.

The Sindh fishermen maintained that they were already living below poverty line and facing enormous socio-economic problems. The contract system, they added, only aggravated the situation.

They condemned the attitude of the chief minister’s adviser on fisheries under whose orders the contract system had been imposed. They demanded removal of the adviser and withdrawal of his order.

They suggested that licence system in place of the contract system be adopted so that fishermen could get licence and earn their livelihood without any trouble and fear.

The fishermen, who had come from different parts of the country to attend the meeting, also condemned the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) for preventing fishermen of Gizri village from fishing at Sea View beach.

They maintained that the vigilance team of Defence Housing Authority had deprived the fishermen engaged in fishing in the area for centuries of their livelihood.

They urged the government to intervene and stop the Defence Housing Authority team from harassing the poor fishermen.

Earlier, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum General Secretary Saeed Baloch presented his report to the meeting which discussed various issues and formed committees to resolve them.—PPI