KARACHI, Jan 16: The Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority came under fire on Wednesday due to cumbersome procedure currently being followed by the KFHA for issuance of crew cards which are mandatory for fishermen.

According to KFHA regulations, possession of crew or tindal cards is mandatory for the crew of a vessel, owners of the vessels, owners and employees of fish industry, fish processing plants and those who are rendering or are required to render any service within the harbour.

It is learnt that in view of the Afghan war, the harbour authorities had recently taken strict measures to check the relevant documents including crew cards or passes issued to fishermen.

Sources said this step had been taken for security reasons to check entry of suspected Afghan nationals and small boys who usually joins the fishing trip.

However, the fishermen have complained that the procedure of scrutiny of papers was cumbersome and was causing frustration among fishermen.

A long queue of fishermen waiting for their chance to get their papers is often seen in front of the KFHA offices.

The fishermen have expressed their concern over the undue delay in the verification of their documents which was causing delay in their fishing trips.

The officials deny any victimisation, saying “they are pursing the instructions of the government.”